Mazda RX7 Series 2 Coupe

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

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

Its conformity to Japanese dimensions regulations also made it very handy in British towns and country lanes. The RX7 used what Mazda called a front mid-engined layout, with the 1146cc twin rotor Wankel engine being mounted behind the front axle. This helped to give the sportster near 50/50 weight distribution. This, 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 the 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). A very similar Series Two (1981–1983) had integrated plastic-covered bumpers, wide black rubber side mouldings and wraparound tail-lights. Production of this, the original RX7, ceased in 1985.

This Series Two RX7 was first registered in May 1983 and has covered a very reasonable 83,900 miles. The car had a professional respray in 2001 (when the previous owner acquired it), at which time the alloy wheels were also refurbished. It is said to be in good, rust-free condition throughout. The car has the later GRP rear boot spoiler fitted in place of the original rubber item.

The previous garage proprietor owner kept the car for 13 years and always maintained it himself. Said to drive very well, the car has been little used over the past five years apart from an annual trip to the MOT testing station.

Supplied with a large factory workshop manual and a set of old MOT certificates confirming the mileage, it is due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale.