SOUTHERN ROTARIES

Hidden in among the rambling former Roslyn Woollen Mills in Dunedin’s Kaikorai Valley Industrial Park is a company dedicated to the restoration and servicing of Mazdas.

Corey Wilson and partner Lizzie, along with a small team of Mazda enthusiasts, run Retro Automotive, specializing in anything to do with Mazda’s range of rotarypowered cars.

We recently called in to look at something special that Corey has acquired for a future New Zealand Classic Car feature and discovered a workshop containing an impressive array of Mazdas at various stages of restoration.

“We cater for all models and stock a good range of parts, which I source from everywhere. I buy and supply a lot of parts from overseas, too, and we have pretty good stocks in here now,” Corey said.

Engine parts are getting harder to acquire for the earlier 10-series rotaries, but new parts are available for the later 13-series.

Reconditioning rotary engines is a speciality, and Corey showed us how the delicate rotor seals are applied using a special pneumatic device. Alongside him was a beautifully prepared turbo-rotary motor ready for a customer. Rotary race engines are also supplied, and, depending on what is required, the cost is relatively cheap for some impressive horsepower.

An on-site spray booth means that a high standard of restoration is possible from start to finish.

“I just love Mazda Rotaries and keeping them going. Amazing engines,” Corey said.