Rotary engines – also known as Wankel engines – are a mechanical marvel. Unlike conventional piston engines, which operate with up-and-down motion, the rotary engine uses a triangular rotor that spins in a smooth, circular motion within an oval housing. This design results in a high-revving, compact engine that offers impressive power relative to its size. Most famously used in Mazda’s RX series – particularly the RX-7 and RX-8 – the rotary engine remains a rare sight on the roads today.

However, as more of these whirring wonders reach the end of their lives, owners are asking an important question: can rotary-powered vehicles be scrapped like conventional cars?

Scrapping a Car with a Rotary Engine

The short answer is yes. A car with a rotary engine can be scrapped just like any other vehicle. The process doesn’t differ significantly, although the rarity of the engine type might make the car more appealing to specific salvage buyers.

At the heart of scrapping is dismantling a vehicle and recovering valuable materials or parts. While the engine’s design is different, it’s still made of valuable metals such as aluminium and steel. Some rotary engines are highly desirable on the salvage market, especially if they can be reconditioned or sold to enthusiasts restoring older Mazda models.

What Makes a Rotary Car Valuable to Salvage Buyers?

While the average scrap car is assessed mainly by weight, vehicles with rotary engines may fetch a better price if they’re still mostly intact. The key reasons are:

Specialist Parts Demand

Enthusiast Market

Recyclable Materials

The Scrapping Process

When you scrap any car – rotary or otherwise – it should go through an ATF. These facilities are licensed and regulated to ensure vehicles are depolluted, dismantled and processed in an environmentally responsible way.

Depollution involves safely removing fluids such as oil, coolant, and fuel. Then, components are assessed for reuse or recycling. The same applies to a rotary-powered car. The engine is extracted, evaluated for salvage value, and the remaining structure is processed for metal recovery.

Why Use a Reputable Scrap Service?

Using a professional scrap car service ensures:

Compliance with environmental regulations

Accurate valuation based on current scrap market trends

Proper paperwork, including the all-important Certificate of Destruction

Safe and convenient collection

Companies like Motorwise partner with a nationwide network of ATFs to ensure that specialist vehicles, such as those with rotary engines, are correctly handled.

Should You Remove the Engine First?

Some owners consider removing the rotary engine before scrapping the rest of the car, hoping to sell it separately. While this can be profitable in some cases, it’s worth noting:

You must inform the scrap company that the car is incomplete

The scrap value will be lower due to the weight reduction.

Many ATFs may decline to collect a stripped vehicle.

If you’re unsure whether the engine is worth selling independently, it’s worth seeking a quote for both options.

Conclusion: Saying Farewell to a Rotary Icon

Rotary-engine cars hold a special place in motoring history. Their smooth power delivery and unique sound made them stand out. But when the time comes to say goodbye, scrapping a rotary-powered car needn’t be a complicated process.

By choosing a trusted scrap car service, you can ensure that your vehicle is recycled responsibly, its valuable parts preserved for future use, and you receive a fair price, whether a piston-pusher or a spinning legend under the bonnet.

Get a quote today and take the first step toward responsibly scrapping your rotary-powered vehicle.