School children and the puerile at heart may snigger at the very mention of this car's engine, but the Mazda RX-7, with its (cough) Wankel rotary engine is one of the finest and most intriguing sports cars Japan has ever made.
When it comes to cars, the Japanese have always been at their best when they go their own way. Just look at the the technology-laden Skyline GT-R. Or this - the Mazda RX-7.
Although the rotary engine was conceived by German engineer Felix Wankel for NSU in the 1950s, it was Mazda that took the idea to its heart and ran with it. By the time the Mazda RX-7 arrived in 1979, the rotary engine was a properly developed proposition.
Its tiny 1146cc displacement produced 99bhp and 112lb ft of torque. That's not much, but it was enough to propel the 1100kg sports car to 62mph in less than 10 seconds on the way to a 120mph top speed. The incredibly low weight of the RX-7's engine coupled with proper-wheel drive also made it a lithe, agile handler. The revvy engine was also so smooth that an electronic buzzer was fitted to warn drivers that the 7000rpm red line was approaching.
By the time this 'Series 2' version of the first RX-7 came along, there was an all-new engine, this time displacing a whopping 1.3 litres and fitted with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. Power had also grown to a far more muscular 135bhp and 133lb ft of torque.
But the RX-7 isn't without its problems. The engines are thirsty for both fuel and oil, and the bodies are prone to the old steel rot.
This particular example does look like a bit of a peach, however. The engine was rebuilt 4000 miles ago and it apparently comes with bucketloads of history. In that context, the dent in the offside front wing really doesn't seem to matter.
After all, what's a light scratch between friends when you can get hold of an iconic, idiosyncratic slice of Japanorama for less than £600?
Advert is reproduced below:
Mazda RX.7,2 Series For Sale (1985), £595
Mazda rx7,rotary,1985
140k,full service history,elford engineering
16 stamps,engine rebuilt 4000 miles ago
runs superbly,lift out sunroof
drivers side wing has light dent/scratch
fuel gauge not working
overall great little rare sports car
test drives/inspection welcome
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