1988 Mazda RX7 FC Series 4 Convertible

Description

Mazda’s first-generation RX-7 sports car was 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. The second generation of the RX-7 (code name ‘FC’) was introduced in 1986 and featured a complete restyling which was reminiscent of the Porsche 924 and 944. Mazda's stylists, led by Chief Project Engineer Akio Uchiyama, focused on the contemporary Porsche 924 for their inspiration in designing the FC because the new car was being designed primarily for the American market, where the majority of first-generation of the RX-7 models had been sold. Known as the Series 4 (produced from 1986–1988), it was sold here in both Coupe and Convertible forms with a naturally aspirated, fuel injected 13B-VDEI rotary engine producing 109 kW. Handling was much improved over the earlier car, thanks to an independent rear suspension design, while steering was also more precise with a rack and pinion system replacing the old recirculating ball. Disc brakes also became standard. The coupe was the mainstay of the range in Australia, with what’s believed to be just 50 examples of the Convertible officially imported here, making the drop-top both extremely rare and desirable. Overall a more sophisticated car, the second-generation RX7 could well be poised to join its older sibling as a classic in the making.