07/09/2026
This 1979 Mazda RX-7 is currently on display in our feature theme display 'Auto Culture Japan'
Defined by its iconic design, balanced driving dynamics and signature rotary heart, the Mazda RX-7 stood as one of Japan's most ambitious sports cars. Series 1 cars, produced between 1978 and 1980, featured a 12A rotary engine – displacing 1146cc. Handling and acceleration of the car was noted by reviewers as excellent, surpassing many other cars of the period. Matsaburo Maeda designed the car as a lightweight sport-coupe. He placed the engine behind the front axle, and thus it helped with the weight distribution. Since the engineers pushed the engine back, the front was very narrow and, thanks to its pop-up headlights, very aerodynamic as well. The raked windshield and the short roof were followed by a long and sloped rear window, which was also the trunk lid. As a result of the smoothness inherent in a rotary engine, a buzzer was fitted to warn the driver that the 7,000rpm redline was approaching. The Series 1 car on display was one of the first RX-7s sold new in Australia and was totally restored after being purchased by the current owner in 2019. The RX-7's popularity in Australia was strengthened by its motorsport success, particularly through the achievements of Allan Moffat.
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