When a company describes its latest model as ‘unique’, there’s usually a touch of poetic licence involved. But for the new Mazda RX-7 of 1978, the description was justifiable: this was the only rotary-engined sports car on the market, with a specification that made conventionally powered rivals seem technologically dull by comparison.
Mazda had been producing Wankel-style rotary powerplants since 1961, but this latest 105bhp twin-rotor unit was completely new, giving the RX-7 decent enough performance (117mph flat out, 0-60 in 9.9 seconds) to match its svelte looks. Available in the USA as a two-seater and in other markets as a 2+2, the RX-7 proved to be a hit, with more than 570,000 sold worldwide during its seven-year run.
The RX-7’s MacPherson strut front suspension and live rear axle set-up was pretty conventional, but endowed the RX-7 with fine handling and roadholding, aided by almost 50/50 weight distribution thanks to the engine being mounted well back. UK-spec cars came with disc brakes front and rear and a five-speed manual gearbox, but some markets were given rear drums and a four-speed ’box, with an automatic transmission optional in the USA – something to bear
