Prepared and stored at the Bicester Sports and Classics company, the owner has placed the car for sale on the Car and Classic Auction site. The RX7 was a huge success for its intended American customer base, despite the near collapse of Mazda who had suffered almost catastrophic losses during the fuel crisis of the 70s. While the combustion engine-powered 323 and 626 were instrumental in keeping Mazda afloat in the late 70s, Mazda persisted with the Rotary engine set-up.
Rather than use existing cars to shoehorn the 12A engine, the designers came up with one of the most elegant pieces of design to have left Japan. Creating a huge amount of interest when launched in 1978, UK imports followed a year later but its high pricing hampered any form of success and remained an exclusive sight on UK roads. Mazda continued to develop the RX7, and its first revision in 1981 resulted in the definitive and most aesthetic pleasing of the MK1 versions.
This example has seen something of a charmed life and has been in the hands of enthusiasts, including an owner who kept it as part of a private Rotary collection. It has become hard to find an original UK car in this condition, with no evidence of welding or repairs, it will be interesting to see how well this car does. While its slick gearbox, nicely weighted clutch and agile handling are comparable to the first Datsun 240z, the power wasn’t quite there. However, these 12A’s are highly tuneable and present as a perfect alternative.
