I have not seen a gen1 RX-7 in some time, and that applies particularly to a Series 1 version (SA22C), from 1978-1980. So I was rather surprised when I saw this one’s distinctive shape form down the block and across the street. I walked over to take some shots, and noticed that it was wounded: a flat tire off the rim and some front end damage. I can’t be certain if the two are connected; maybe not, but possibly so. In any case, it was a sad moment to this car in pain, especially since the rest of it was in such great condition.
Here’s how it looked from across the street. I did notice the bumper was askew. And it even has its original alloys. It’s a dead ringer for the one a good friend had for quite some years in LA, a car I rode in numerous times and drove a couple of times. Sweet memories…
The Series 1 had the original 12A (1146cc) twin-rotor engine, with all of 100 hp. It needed revs and a lot of rowing of the slick 5-speed gearbox to generate genuine sporty performance. Not surprisingly, he had to have it overhauled at least once, possibly twice. Such was life with the early Mazda rotaries. But other than that, it was very reliable.
The cabin was cozy but comfortable. The ride was on the brittle side, as it was sprung quite stiffly. Lots of fun to run up Topanaga Canyon, but not so much on the daily commute on LA’s freeways. The manual steering was light if not brilliant, and its 50/50 weight distribution made it eminently tossable. With its 626 sedan-based live rear axle and front suspension, it wasn’t as sophisticated as the Miata would be, but it was fun.
This RX-7 is sharing this section of the block with another vehicle of similar vintage, but they couldn’t be further apart in their dynamics. Polar opposites attract.
I sure hope this one gets back on its feet asap, and hopefully its front end body damage fixed too.
What a classic shape.
Tidy little rice rocket and I dont see very many early ones these days, commuting in traffic is what kills the engines if driven hard all the time they last ok its babying them that does the damage or so I am reliably informed.
Hope it makes a recovery and gets some more use.
It is so depressing when a beautifully preserved old car, one that has survived the stuff that killed most like it, is damaged like this. But I guess there is no way to avoid accidents (because, by definition, nobody plans them.)
Very sad, and brings back fond memories of my white RX7 as well.
This one looks in better condition in 2021 than mine was in 1995 🙂 I hope the owner gets it fixed.
In the real world, this one is done. The wheels, interior, and engine will likely go as donors to other cars, as there are many nice early RX-7s without good interiors (prone to sun damage) and engines (obvious reasons) that can use these. Bodywork repair costs being what they are, this one is due to leave its mortal coil.
Very simple repair, if you can find some good used parts or able to to straighten out the damage.
The radiator support panel is a few inches behind the edge of the hood, this car would be perfectly drivable.
The entire front forward of the support panel is made up of brackets and panels that can be removed.
From memory its dozens of 10mm bolts.
Another way to explain it is the front clip comes off…almost.
Your’e left with inner guard, strut tower, chassis rail tied together with radiator support and suspension crossmember that also doubles as engine mount unlike earlier Mazda rotary’s which have a seperate engine mount crossmember.
A lot of reproduction stuff is made but not sure if available in the US like the black plastic bumper endcaps.
One of my favourite Youtube channels is RAD Potential who has several of these Rx7’s both turbo and Weber IDA carbed bridgeport.
I find RAD Potential channel hilarious especially when he’s driving his bridgeport on rural US roads.
Parts are what pushed my friend to sell her 1985…..25 years after she bought it. The specialty shop that maintained it for her finally told her that they were no longer able to get the parts at reasonable cost and with reasonable speed to keep the car a daily driver.
Here’s to Miss Scarlett!
Bummer! I had those same wheels on my ‘79 626, gorgeous but a bear to clean. I can’t imagine finding a decent 13” tire for them nowadays…
That puts a bit of downer on your day! Hopefully it can be fixed and not written off by an insurer you seemingly did not see the bugger picture.
Looks neat example of a rare car, otherwise.