More than any other vehicle in the company’s history, Mazda’s inspiration point is the Cosmo. Offered here is a pinnacle example of the more powerful, five-speed Cosmo Series II, which was delivered new in 1969 to a Mazda employee and enthusiast in Mazda’s home city of Hiroshima, Japan. In 2012, it passed to Kaneaki Miwa, the owner of Daiya Auto Inc. in Nagoya. When Mr. Miwa, as an octogenarian, decided to part with the Mazda, it was acquired in October 2014 by the current Southern California-based keeper.

Accompanying documents show the light recommissioning work carried out in Mr. Miwa’s own shop prior to the car’s export to the US. Today, this Cosmo presents beautifully in its original white over a black and white houndstooth interior.

On a recent test drive, a Gooding & Company specialist found the Cosmo to be enjoyable to drive in town and very capable at freeway speeds.

This Cosmo had covered just 28,400 km (17,650 miles) at the time of cataloguing, which the consignor believes to be genuine. It has appeared in only one show, the 2016 San Marino Motor Classic, where it won the Rotary Club Special Award.

With rare factory air-conditioning, exemplary provenance, and immaculate presentation, this is an unusual opportunity to acquire one of the most compelling Japanese Domestic Market automobiles.