Mazda RX7 Coupe

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 Mazda launched its petite RX7 in 1978 and the slender, low-sitting hatchback soon became very popular for both its performance and practicality.

The RX7 used what Mazda called a front mid-engined layout, with the ingenious 1146cc twin rotor Wankel engine being mounted behind the front axle (although for taxation purposes the engine was rated at 2292cc). This helped to give the sportscar near 50/50 weight distribution which, combined with the low centre of gravity and well-tuned Watts linkage suspension at the rear, made for excellent, sure-footed handling.

With 115bhp and rear wheel-drive through a five-speed gearbox, the RX7 was capable of 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 119mph (some cars were also built with a turbo which boosted power to 160bhp). The uncanny smoothness of the Wankel engine meant that no vibration or harshness was experienced at high revs so a buzzer was fitted to warn the driver that the 7,000rpm redline was approaching.

Production of this, the original RX7, ceased in 1985 and although some 400,700 were sold worldwide, few came to Britain and fewer than 300 are still road registered here so it is always an occasion when you see one and survivors are increasingly sought after today.

Dating from November 1981, this RX7 has had just one lady owner from new although it was briefly registered to the supplying dealer (Fred Shaw & Son, Stafford) so the V5 records two owners. The car has covered some 84,500 miles to date and has always been well-maintained by the owner, although sadly she has never bothered to get the service book stamped or keep any invoices. She does inform us, however, that it was last serviced less than 600 miles ago and has always proved very reliable and a pleasure to drive. The original owner’s handbook is also included.

Taxed until October this year and MOTd until August 2015, the car is in generally good order throughout although the rear nearside wing has begun to deteriorate since an anonymous 4x4 driver casually clonked it in a supermarket car park. The front seats have been protected by covers for many years and are said to remain in good condition (although on the occasion of our visit it seemed rude to demand an inspection as the covers are apparently a pig to remove and re-fit and the vendor needs the padded driver’s seat so she can see to drive).

Only for sale due to the advancing years of the vendor, this rare and quirky sportscar now just needs a second owner who will continue to cherish it as the vendor has for the last 34 years. With Japanese classics enjoying a surge in interest of late, it could yet prove a smart buy at the guide price suggested.