As we celebrate “7s Day” here on Speedhunters, we thought we should tie in this week’s reader poll with the festivities. After an internal discussion between the Speedhunters team, we came up with a list of several historically important and memorable rotary-powered Mazdas from the last 45 years. We’ve included production models, as well as factory race cars and other privately built machines – and each is important in its own way.
So, which of these is the most important or the most memorable to you? Take a look and make your choice below.
The 1978 RX-7 is another groundbreaking car, representing the beginning of one the world’s most unique sports car nameplates.
The first generation RX-7 also made a name for itself on the race track thanks to cars like Mooncraft Group 5 entry at Le Mans. Although it wasn’t well known, cars like this helped pave the way for Mazda’s later success at Le Mans.
Meanwhile in North America, the first generation RX-7 quickly found success with factory backing in IMSA GTU racing. After taking first and second place at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the RX-7 went on to take seven straight GTU championships.
The GTU car was then succeeded by the equally impressive FC-based IMSA GTO entry, which took the 1991 series championship.
Another memorable FC chassis is Racing Beat’s Bonneville RX-7 from 1986 and its record setting 238mph run on the salt.
The Mazda 787B really needs no introduction. Besides making Mazda the only Japanese marque to claim victory at Le Mans, the 787B is also one of the craziest sounding and looking race cars ever.
The FD3S is still a fantastic car by today’s standards, and few are more desirable than the Spirit R model released at the end of the FD’s run. The Spirit R still represents the pinnacle of the rotary sports car.
The FD had a rich competition history, not just in traditional racing but in drifting as well. The ’03 D1GP championship winning Apexi car is an important one for sure.
Another memorable FD-based race car is the RE Amemiya GT300 RX-7 from the Super GT series. Whether in its old Aspara Drink or its M2 livery, this has been one of the most unique machines to compete in Super GT.
The FD has also served as a canvas for some truly incredible tuner builds, like the mind blowing Scoot four-rotor RX-7.
Mad Mike’s RX-7 is another FD with that leaves a huge impact on you. Anyone who’s seen it in person will agree.
The contributions of the rotary engine to drag racing are not to be overlooked either, with the Pac Performance six second Mazda6 one of the most well known.
The RX-7 has also been pushed to the limit in Time Attack, with the Pan Speed FD being near the top of the list.
Also at the top of the list is Revolution’s Time Attack car ,which has achieved fame both in Japan and at WTAC in Australia.
Last but not least we have Revolution’s RX-8, one the of most impressive examples of Mazda’s 21st century rotary machine.
Make your vote below!
-Mike
[polldaddy poll="6370820"]
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Why their's no Supernow FC3S?
Why their's no Supernow FC3S?
PAC NO LONGER HOLD WORLDS FASTEST ROTARY! GEOHIMER (NEW GENERATION) RX8 IN PUERTO RICO TOOK THAT AWAY! WITH A 6.51@ 217mph
PAC NO LONGER HOLD WORLDS FASTEST ROTARY! GEOHIMER (NEW GENERATION) RX8 IN PUERTO RICO TOOK THAT AWAY! WITH A 6.51@ 217mph
As much as I love the 787b nothing says rotary to me like a FD3S!
As much as I love the 787b nothing says rotary to me like a FD3S!
Where's the Cosmo? You gave it as an option in the pictures but didn't put it in the voting poll.
Where's the Cosmo? You gave it as an option in the pictures but didn't put it in the voting poll.
@AnthonyMartinez thanks for the note. I've changed the text to reflect this.
@AnthonyMartinez thanks for the note. I've changed the text to reflect this.
oops sorry about that. I have fixed the post. Since the voting already started, I have just removed the reference to the car in the post.
oops sorry about that. I have fixed the post. Since the voting already started, I have just removed the reference to the car in the post.
Have the same feeling like you Mike W! But i also have a feeling that this poll is still missing another rotary icon. How about Eunos Cosmo SpeedHunters? I just can imagine how this thing was eloctronically ahead of its era, and how sadly it influenced production numbers of this beast! Also remember it was first production Mazda that had twin turbo 13b and first to have 20b! Dream about this car for so long. So much potential and so underrated!
Have the same feeling like you Mike W! But i also have a feeling that this poll is still missing another rotary icon. How about Eunos Cosmo SpeedHunters? I just can imagine how this thing was eloctronically ahead of its era, and how sadly it influenced production numbers of this beast! Also remember it was first production Mazda that had twin turbo 13b and first to have 20b! Dream about this car for so long. So much potential and so underrated!
Guys, we are votin' an icon! only 787b =P
Guys, we are votin' an icon! only 787b =P
Rod Millen's first 4wd RX7 would be the most memorable for me or Mark Maloney's RX3.
Rod Millen's first 4wd RX7 would be the most memorable for me or Mark Maloney's RX3.
Mercedes copied off of the Skoot theme....
Mercedes copied off of the Skoot theme....
I love all rotary cars, but there's really only one choice. The 787B!
I love all rotary cars, but there's really only one choice. The 787B!
it really is a nice poll but would be better without the 787b, its just not fair to the others. the 787b will for ever stand as the face of rotary tuning/evolution!
it really is a nice poll but would be better without the 787b, its just not fair to the others. the 787b will for ever stand as the face of rotary tuning/evolution!
No Allan Moffat Mazda RX7 in the poll?
No Allan Moffat Mazda RX7 in the poll?
One vote for each. Too hard too choose!
@dan1407
Therefore it's an icon, which is relevant to the topic headline no?
No mazdaspeed a-spec gt-c?
first gen rx7. i still have family members that tell me stories about that car.
I am lucky and have owned an FD3S since 2003. It now sadly resides in my garage with a blown rotor bearing and will probably be sold. The greatest triumph of the rx-7 and rotary period was the win at 24 hours of la mans. No better proof. Can never be duplicated. All the other versions and builds of the rotary engine and the rx7 just add more merit to its list of achievements. I rarely go to any local events for autocross where there aren't a few great examples of rx7 and it still gives cars half its age a hard run in autocross and time attack to this day which is impressive.
That's a type RZ, not a spirit R
Asparadrink Amemiya RX-7 first turned my head over to rotary power. Then when I'm into the drift scene, Apexi RX-7 is the first driftcar that I encounter. It was featured on Discovery Channle's Rides covering the D1 All Stars in the US. Rhys Millen(in a GTO) and another man(driving a grey Supra) was in that show too. Madbull 7 is.. I dont' have words for that. Madder than mad perhaps. Anyway, I always dream of an RX7 with RE Amemiya performance setup and Veilside Fortune bodykit would be a killer combination. Oh yes, does movie cars count? where is Han's RX-7?
No Speedsource Mazda? Last Rotary racing cars competitive in a bigger series?
what about rod millens 4wd sa22c and fc3s rx7 custom built four wheel drive cars for pikes peak, they would get my vote if they were listed.
hey team, that's an RZ, not a spirit r. the RZ is a limited run of 175 units where the spirit r came in 2 types and were limited to a couple of thousand units.
secondly, you missed the almighty Mazda Furai!!!
Love your work though!
@yanes33537 My fav rx7 is the re amemiyam super g fc3s. I am saving up for that car and kit no matter how many people tell me to drop an ls1 in it.
Rotary Power!
What about the first rotary powered race cars from the 70's? Like rx3 rally cars and s1 rx7 touring cars? That would be the true iconic rotary cars for me.
I'm blown away you forgot the 3 rotor powered Grand Am RX8's!
Rotary!
It has to be the 787B, total revolutionary mechanics! Even if their Le Mans victory was bit of a lucky win, the car is a legend.
What about Eunos JC Cosmo? One and only factory 20b power?
great post mike!
@yanes33537 the supra was sam hubinette i believe
As soon as i saw the 787B, I didn't even bother checking the other options.
Its "7's day" check back sunday for RX8's. I was actually surprised to see an 8 on the list.
Its "7's day" check back sunday for RX8's. I was actually surprised to see an 8 on the list.
There's reference to the 1st gen, but no button to vote on. That said, notables missing are Rod Millens Rx3, and his self build 4wd rx7, along with the Cosmo 110s, too hard to choose, but the 787b has to take it. Saw it at goodwood in 2011, was awesome to see it again, as the last time we'd seen it run was at le mans in 1991!. Big shame Mazda corporate has decided to return to le mans with a diesel...... Mazda always will be rotary for me. My 1992 fd runs superbly, I'll always be rotary! But please Mazda, bring out more rxs! And go racing with your rotarys! Looking forward to more coverage of the 7/7 event.
There's reference to the 1st gen, but no button to vote on. That said, notables missing are Rod Millens Rx3, and his self build 4wd rx7, along with the Cosmo 110s, too hard to choose, but the 787b has to take it. Saw it at goodwood in 2011, was awesome to see it again, as the last time we'd seen it run was at le mans in 1991!. Big shame Mazda corporate has decided to return to le mans with a diesel...... Mazda always will be rotary for me. My 1992 fd runs superbly, I'll always be rotary! But please Mazda, bring out more rxs! And go racing with your rotarys! Looking forward to more coverage of the 7/7 event.
787B hands down. I remember watching the "proving grounds" youtube vids at least 6 times in a row. Incredible machine
787B hands down. I remember watching the "proving grounds" youtube vids at least 6 times in a row. Incredible machine
Where is the mention of ABEL IBARRA? All 3 of his cars are MAJOR Rotary ICONS! Where is the FLACO Racing R100, K&N FD, K&N RX8?
Where is the mention of ABEL IBARRA? All 3 of his cars are MAJOR Rotary ICONS! Where is the FLACO Racing R100, K&N FD, K&N RX8?
787B hands down (despite what my avatar picture might say)
787B hands down (despite what my avatar picture might say)
The apexi and mad mike FD drifters are my favorite cars here, but they are in no way the same icon as the 787B, and that has to my opinion the sickest factory racecar sound ever!
The apexi and mad mike FD drifters are my favorite cars here, but they are in no way the same icon as the 787B, and that has to my opinion the sickest factory racecar sound ever!
theres only one REAL choice!!
theres only one REAL choice!!
NONE of the above....too much plastic!
You forgot the most important of all....the 110s Cosmo, the 1st Mazda rotary and of course, the most important!
NONE of the above....too much plastic!
You forgot the most important of all....the 110s Cosmo, the 1st Mazda rotary and of course, the most important!
The only car to win LeMans and subsequently having rotaries banned from Lemans the next year and forever after.
The 787B
dissapointed... where are the r100,rx2,rx3 ect ????? need classic rotarys
Great ingredients enable incredible recipes. IMSO!
Great ingredients enable incredible recipes. IMSO!
787B hands down. Although the rest are all pretty equal.
@ke20hayashi
i agree but it is (7s day)
cant beat the sound of mad mikes car, sounds like a F1 car on crack
nice pic and nice car
APEXI or MAD MIKE!
needed a plain-jane 87 Turbo-II in red to vote for
787B as my second vote with Amemiya's FD close behind
No mention of Adam Saruwatri's A&L racing FD3S?
787b Definetly
@Gasaxe @ke20hayashi
Maybe so, but this particular section is asking about important rotaries in general. Classics FTW!
@Gasaxe @ke20hayashi
Maybe so, but this particular section is asking about important rotaries in general. Classics FTW!
What about Rod Millians 4WD rally rx7's that showed the factory tuners the true potential these engines had,
And also Rod Millians legendary RX2 and RX3 rally cars that Dominated NZ and Australasian Rallies and Completely Outperformed the Expectations of the factory
787B for sure, but that would change if you had included the current Grand Am RX-8 GT's currently being run.
My vote goes to the RX-7 driven by Allan Moffat in the Australian Group C Touring Car Championship from 1981-1984
Where is 792P ?????????
nice
Re amemiya (legend) then mad mikes BEASTY!
And this is my fc3c turbo Softop. Which I'd have voted for if an option. Love em all. I also have some coil overs to fit now so it will sit way better