1980 Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 was in production from 1978 to 2002 along three generations. The first generation was built from 1978 through 1985 and is commonly referred to as the SA22C. During this time, 471,018 examples were built.

The design was courtesy of led designer Matasaburo Maeda who penned a low and small coupe that had excellent weight distribution and a low center of gravity. Mounted in the engine bay, behind the front axle, was a compact rotary engine that had a displacement below 1.5 liters, a figure that offered financial advantages to Japanese consumers when paying the Japanese annual road tax.

A limited-edition, known as the Leathersport Models, was introduced to the North American market in May of 1980. At the time, trim levels consisted of the base 'S' model and the 'GS.' The base model sold for $7,650 in the U.S., while the GS was listed at $8,400. The Leathersport Model was an uprated GS version with LS badges on each B-pillar, and LS-only gold anodized wheels with polished outer face and wheel rim. The interior was done in brown leather upholstery, and there was a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, LS-specific four-speaker AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna, remote power door side mirrors, and a removable sunroof.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2020