Mazda R360 Coupe
Mazda's first passenger car was a tiny four-seater that used clever lightweight materials to make motoring affordable.
1960 Mazda R360 Coupe in Somerset Blue · Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0
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More than a set of wheels.
Mazda launched the R360 Coupe nationwide on May 28, 1960. It was the company's first passenger car and fitted Japan's kei-car rules. A low price, four-stroke engine and light 380 kg body helped it win thousands of early orders. By the end of 1960 Mazda had built 23,417, giving the R360 nearly two-thirds of Japan's kei-car production that year.
Look a little closer.
The R360 weighed only 380 kg—less than many modern car battery packs.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Lightness was the big idea
Mazda used light alloys and magnesium in parts such as the transmission case. The resulting 380 kg mass saved fuel and helped the small engine feel useful without making the car expensive.
Source: Mazda · Great Cars: R360 Coupe ↗Manual and torque-converter cars were different
The KRBB featured here used a four-speed manual. Mazda also offered the KRBC with a two-speed torque converter, an unusual option for such a small and affordable 1960 car.
Source: JSAE · Mazda R360 Coupe ↗Where these facts come from
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.