Friday 18th December 2009

SOTW: Mazda RX-7

Shed applies for membership of the Rotary Club

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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

See Shed of the Week on Facebook

[Wilburo]

Good shed! Seats look HORRIFIC!

[markmullen]

What a little belter for the money.

Might have it myself!

[TheYeti]

This must have had a SHED load of money spent on it and loved dearly by whoever owned it because to keep a rotary engine going for 140,000 miles would mean rotor tips must have been changed at least 3 times and they aren't cheap to do! Mind you, always liked th RX-7, so can see why the owner would spend the money if needs be. Nice car.

[Cactussed]

One of my mates used to own one of these.
Brilliant fun to thrash over the twisties. I remember spending 20 minutes with the buzzer going off constantly!

Epic fun.

[shouldbworking]

Fuel gauge isnt broken, they just really get through it that fast :P

[patmahe]

Have never experienced a rotary engine, its on my to do list. This car would be a fantastic buy, unfortunately I'm not in a position to capitalise

Great find.

[Garlick]

markmullen said:

Might have it myself!

Get it bought

[LHD]

Garlick said:

markmullen said:

Might have it myself!

Get it bought

I remember my old man had a TWR tweaked one of these back in the mid-80's.

The one and only car i can remember he had that could shoot flame out the exhaust.

[Decky_Q]

"drivers side wing has light dent/scratch" lmao thats a bit more than a light scratch its a freakin gaping hole!!

[Motorrad]

A friend of mine also owned one of these, really loved it, then replaced it with a MKIII golf GTi which was crap. Worst move he ever made car wise. Conversely the old slapper he ended up marrying who made him sell his car and cycle to work in all weathers was the worst move he ever made life wise.

[ukzz4iroc]

I've owned several NSU Ro80's (also Rotary) and a Mk1 RX7. Great cars, very thirsty and they are in a sense 2 strokes in that they burn oil. Getting rid of the belt driven fan and replacing with a Kenlowe is a must as you can really hear the uncanny washing machine-like engine then. That is really cheap and a lot of fun

[Twilight1]

They even did a B- series rally car from Mazda FB RX-7.

A lovely vehicle no matter what. I wonder how it has lasted this far. Long live rotary.

[SVX]

Never been in a n/a Mazda Rotary, though I do occasionally find myself scratching the proverbial chin at the prospect of a sorted RX-8. I did however ride shotgun in a late model twin-turbo import, and it was, and still is one of fastest/scariest rides of my life. Epic boost!

[off_again]

Are they really as bad on fuel as everyone says? I have heard some ruinous stories in the past and a friend of a friend had one just like this - sold it and replaced it with a Jaaag XJ6 3.8 because 'it was better on fuel'....

[ukzz4iroc]

I was getting 16mpg out of the NSU and about 19-21 out of the RX7. All for a 9 second 0-60mph time Decided I could get that economy out of a 400bhp modified IROC so did that instead.

[nsmith1180]

Ummmmm, not a bad shed at all, needs a little love but could work out a goodun. Now where did I leave my balaclava, dont tell lloyds Im coming will you?

[seefarr]

Fantastic shed! That's got to be worth it for the rebuilt 13B alone. Get an extend port and a 45 DCOE weber into it and laugh yourself stupid.

http://www.mazdarotary.net/porting.htm

BRAP BRAP BRAP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOmdBMBI-dI

[Steamer]

Great shed!!

One question that been in the back of my mind for a while now, I've owned a variety of Japanese motors...

...is there just one HUGE universal interior parts bin / mound somewhere in Japan?!

[forzaminardi]

In terms of the fundamental quality of the vehicle in question this has to be one of the best sheds ever.

One of the cars Swiss Tony would be right about, though: "Taking care of an RX7 is like making love to a beautiful woman: you have to fill her up regularly, feed her expensive treats constantly and replace her worn out bits every 6 months..."

[XB70]

Driven a Eunos JC Cosmo back in Oz - twin turbo triple rotor 20B

Astonishing engine

Only 6000 odd cars of the JC Cosmo were made