Late ’70s Mazda gave us the RX-7 a small rear-wheel drive rotary engine sports car. A stunning little motor at the time and a 2 + 2. However, the rear seats were not for large adults but folded flat with the floor to provide quite a decent boot space. A proper-looking motor from any angle I loved the way the headlights popped up which at the time was a smart gizmo. A sleek design mine had a sunroof that lifted out turning it into a semi-convertible. Nice for when the Sun came out. 

The RX-7 was an easy drive with light steering that wasn’t power-assisted. Electric windows and lots of buttons were well laid out and easy to find. In the early ’70s electric windows reflected major progress and something only enjoyed by expensive motors.

However, the best part about the RX-7 was driving it. The gearbox was good and the rotary engine just wanted to rev. With confident handling, a driver was able to push on through the bends with its tail-happy on the loose ground as it enjoyed being thrown around. Also, in a straight line, there was no problem burning rubber thanks to the punchy high revving engine. 

The interior felt a bit small for four adults but if there were just two it was heaps of fun.  On the downside, you had to treat the engine well. For instance, allow it to warm up before kicking down on the accelerator. Treat it well and it would regularly put a smile on your face. Another negative was fuel consumption which wasn’t great, but because the RX-7 looked as good as it did and revved like it did fuel consumption became the least thing to worry about. A great little motor.

​Trevor Ferguson 2 October 2022

Mazda RX-7 Specification

Cost new	£11,499 (1985)
Engine	Wankel Rotary 2292cc 148 bhp
Performance	Max 120 mph  0-60 8.9 secs
Fuel Consumption	21.3 mpg
Road Tax	£180 per annum
Insurance Group	0

HOW MANY STILL MOTORING IN THE UK?

Model	Status	Number
1978-1985
RX-7	Licensed	181
RX-7	SORN	471
1994-1995 (255 bhp)
RX-7 R	Licensed	7
RX-7 R	SORN	30
1994-1995 (255 bhp)
RX-7 RB	Licensed	4
RX-7 RB	SORN	2
1996-1998 (265 bhp)
RX-7 RZ	Licensed	3
RX-7 RZ	SORN	5

VALUATION

Condition	Valuation
OUTSTANDING	Up to £12.000
VERY GOOD CONDITION	Up to £8,000
AVERAGE CONDITION + MOT	Up to £5,000