Long live the rotary!
No other car company knows rotary engines like Mazda. The Japanese automaker started using rotary engines in its cars in 1963, then developed and championed the technology for almost 50 years until 2012, the year the last RX-8 rolled off the line.
But somewhere along the way, the Hiroshima-based automaker made legendary rotary-powered models that are hard to come by these days – unless you're looking at the new Mazda MX-30 EV, which now comes with a rotary engine as a range extender.
Case in point: YouTuber Dino DC caught two classic Mazdas powered by rotary engines: the 1976 Mazda RX-3 (also known as the Savanna) and the 1979 Mazda RX-7.
The first car featured in the video is the classic Mazda SA22 RX-7, which remains largely untouched, except for a few modifications such as Watanabe wheels and a Bridgeport modification to the engine. The latter enhances the signature sound of the Mazda 13B rotary chamber at idle.
Understanding how rotary engines work is crucial to truly appreciate the marvel beneath the hood and comprehend why these cars are so extraordinary. Notably, the interior dashboard of this RX-7 has remained intact, a testament to the meticulous care it has received over the years.
The owner also showcased his Mazda Savanna RX-3, which shares the same Watanabe wheels and is equipped with a 13B rotary engine, replacing the stock 12A. While the exterior maintains its original appearance, the interior boasts classic Recaro seats featuring a stylish houndstooth design at the center, common among European cars. These seats were sourced from a Porsche and meticulously preserved to maintain their period-correct authenticity, adding a touch of elegance to the car's interior.
The video provides a striking contrast on the streets of Tokyo, where a serene and orderly ambiance conceals the unleashed power of these nostalgic beasts. The Mazda RX-7 SA22 and Savanna RX-3 stand as formidable relics from the past, and this video is proof of that.
However, if you're tempted to reach out to the person in the video with hopes of purchasing these cars, you'll likely be disappointed. Some things are simply not meant to be sold, and now we truly understand the real meaning of the word “priceless.”
Keyword: WATCH: Classic Mazda Savanna RX-3 And RX-7 Flaunt High-Revving Rotary On Tokyo Streets