1979 Mazda RX-7

When production of the NUS Ro80 came to an end, this left Mazda as the only major automobile manufacturer using the Wankel rotary engine design. During the 1970s, an entire range of rotary-engined models had been designed and created, but as the decade came to an end, the RX-7 sportscar was the only one being built in significant numbers outside Japan. The 1,146 displacement Wankel rotary engine had made its debut in 1978, powering the RX-7 coupe. It was fuel efficient while offering superb handling and great acceleration. The 100-horsepower engine carried the lightweight sports coupe from zero-to-sixty mph in about 9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 120 mph. The rear-wheel drive coupe rested on a 95.3-inch wheelbase and measured 169 inches in length, and had a height of 50 inches. Aerodynamic features included the sloping hood, retractable headlights, and an all-glass hatchback. In the front was an air dam and integrated bumpers with rubber impact strips. Trim levels included the S and the GS, with both receiving an AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna. There was a quartz cloth, full instruments including a tachometer, bucket seats, and steel-belted radial tires at all four corners. A four-speed manual was standard in the S, with the GS receiving a five-speed or optional automatic. The GS rode on larger tires with alloy wheels, while the wheels on the S were made of steel. The GS had a remote hatch release, intermittent wipers, and a four-spoke steering wheel.

A total of 72,692 Mazda RX-7s were produced in 1978, with nearly the same amount built the following year.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019