1985 Mazda RX7 Series 3 Coupe

Description

Mazda’s first generation RX-7 sports car was already a smash hit by the mid-1980s, particularly in the all-important North American market, while Australian buyers had been equally enthralled by the combination of rotary power, refinement, handling and value for money. Having already updated the model in 1981 with colour-coded bumpers and a new interior featuring more supportive seats, Mazda’s designers continued to develop and improve the RX-7 and the so-called Series 3 was introduced for the 1984 model year.  Big news was a new five-speed gearbox (and the option of a four-speed automatic), along with fresh 14-inch alloy wheels shod with Dunlop 205/60 rubber, ventilated disc brakes all round and revised rear suspension.  The power steering was now speed variable in some markets and the more powerful fuel-injected 13B rotary headlined in America as the top of the range GSL-SE variant, offering a significant power boost.  For Australian customers, the original 12A motor was refined and still developed enough power to outrun its rivals.  The interior also came in for some revision, with an improved dash layout and a number of detail changes.  With the second generation RX-7 just around the corner, Mazda released a number of limited edition models, including a turbocharged variant, and the model bowed out after an impressive 471,018 had been sold around the world, making it easily the best selling rotary car of all time.