2006 Melbourne International Motor Show Auction
Lot
51
1982 Mazda RX-7 Series II Coupe
Sold: $4,000
Sold
Specifications
| Engine | 12A Twin-rotor Wankel |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | Automatic |
| Body Work | Coupe |
| Colour | Red |
Description
This lot is no
longer available
After developing the radical Wankel rotary engine in a range of production cars during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mazda had overcome the inherent sealing problems of the design when it launched a proper sports car designed around the engine in 1978.
The new RX-7 was a stylish, practical and technologically advanced automobile that ultimately proved a sales success, with more than 800,000 built over three generations and the spirit lives on in the current RX-8. The RX-7 was intended to compete with the likes of Porsche's 924 and road tests compared the Japanese car more than favourably with its German rival, commenting on the excellent handling and roadholding and the outstanding performance afforded by the twin-rotor 12A engine. The attractive and aerodynamic body featured fashionable pop-up headlamps, a glass lift-back and 2+2 seating while the interior was well equipped and trimmed in velour.
In 1981 a Mark II version was introduced with more power, disc brakes on all four wheels, new alloy wheels and various improvements inside. The RX-7 acquitted itself well in motor racing around the world and vindication of the rotary as a serious rival for conventional engines occurred in 1991 with outright victory in the famous Le Mans 24-Hour race for the Mazda 787B.