There’s no denying Mazda is my favourite car company. With a focus on the connection between driver and car, they seem to get the formula right in almost everything they produce. They also know how to do things differently (read: better). In 2018, where electrification is rampant, they are doubling down on internal combustion engines with their “Holy Grail” of engine design: petrol-like power, diesel-like efficiency (without the emissions).
In 1965 however, it was the birth of the first production rotary engine. To put it simply, it uses rotating triangles rather than up-and-down pistons, offering extraordinary revs, V6/V8 power from a tiny 1 litre displacement, small physical size, and most importantly – and exhaust note that sounds like angry bees.
Fast forward twenty years from the first rotary, and voila:
The 1985 Rx7 Series 3 FB. This is my favourite car. Light weight, 80’s styling (did someone say pop-ups?), but best of all – a rev-happy rotary engine. With endless options to modify upwards (including use of the 13B turbo from the curvaceous and more widely appreciated FD model), it can be both show and go on the street.
This particular specimen is peripheral ported, which you can read all about here.
This Rx7 has great paint (Sunrise red), Watanabe wheels, new bushes and bearings, well-together brown and beige interior and a lot more go-fast goodies.
Show me an Rx7 and I’ll tell you I want it – but this one gets the vote this week due to its condition, authenticity, style, and power.
This 1985 Mazda Rx7 is in the Duckson Garage for more reason than logic can provide. This is a car where emotion takes over.