From The Archives: Mazda RX-7 Special Edition

The RX-7 legend began in the late ’70s when Mazda, at the forefront of rotary engine technology, started work on its first true sportscar – one featuring a piston less engine. The result was an outstanding exterior design, that helped the first generation RX-7 achieved aerodynamic efficiency far above that of any Mazda at the time, and a free-revving twin-rotor engine to match the looks.

CAR tested the Mazda RX-7 Special Edition in September 1981. It featured such niceties as air-conditioning, electric windows and exterior mirror, and a remote release glass hatch and fuel filler.  The 1,2-litre carb-fed rotary engine produced 86 kW at 6 000 r/min and 153 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min – enough to propel the little sportster to 100 km/h, from standstill, in 10,1 seconds, with on to a top whack of 196 km/h.

Tags: From the archives, Mazda, Mazda rotary, Mazda RX-7