The combination of real grunt, sports car handling and an electric drop-top
might sound like the stuff of a second mortgage but these little indulgences can
now be enjoyed for under AUD$9000. For under nine grand you can slide into a
Japanese import Mazda RX-7 turbo cabriolet and enjoy the same pleasures that
some people blow more than AUD$70,000 on!
The FC-series RX-7 turbo cabriolet was regarded one of the most extravagant
machines of the late ‘80s. At a time when locally manufactured cars were coming
to terms with fully independent suspension, the hot Mazda was offering a
plethora of technology – a turbocharged and intercooled rotary engine, aluminium
suspension components, passive rear-wheel-steering, ventilated disc brakes and a
semi-electric roof. Yep, it was some car back when new – but what’s it like
now?
Well, it’s fair to say that many turbocharged rotaries have been flogged to
within an inch of their life but there is a greater likelihood of finding a well
kept cabriolet model – that’s because, until recently, they’ve been quite
expensive. The example on test – provided by Adelaide Japanese Imports – felt
tight, rattle-free and presented very well given its 18 year age.
For anyone used to piston-powered vehicles, the RX-7
is a pleasant change - there’s minimal vibration, that distinctive rotary note
and wonderfully progressive torque. Turbo boost swells from less than 3000 rpm
and acceleration is quite strong to around 7000 rpm. Early FC-series RX-7s (aka
Series 4s) employ a 13B twin rotor engine with a static compression ratio of
8.5:1. Hung with a single turbocharger and top-mount air-to-air intercooler, the
early FC RX-7 turbo is rated at 136kW at 6500 rpm and 245Nm at 3500 rpm. Later
Series 5 models push an extra 15kW.
Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the RX-7 turbo soft-top has flexible
gearing that lets you sloth around in a too-high gear but it’s easy to drop back
a cog or two to ride that turbocharged wave of torque. But with extra weight
compared to a conventional RX-7, the 1390kg cabriolet struggles to reach 100
km/h in less than 9 seconds. It’s no rocket but its performance is genuinely
useable on the street.
But even at a sedate pace the RX-7 cabriolet provides
plenty of fun. Drop the roof and you can enjoy that wind-in-your-hair experience
and an earful of rotary exhaust note. There is a small amount of buffeting and
in-cabin turbulence but it remains comfortable and relatively quiet. With the
roof up there’s more than enough headroom to accommodate people over 185cm tall
and all-round visibility isn’t compromised. Unfortunately, roof retraction is a
pretty clumsy operation – you need to flip out trim flaps that give access to a
windscreen header latch on both sides of the vehicle, push another button in the
roof to release the center hinged section and turn an electric dial on the dash.
Oh, and you should then step out and fit a vinyl cover over the retracted roof...
phew!
With the roof down, the RX-7 has a modest amount of
scuttle shake over normal road surfaces. It’s not
oh-my-god-this-car-is-about-to-fall-apart kind of shake but it’s nowhere near as
solid as, say, a current Saab convertible (which happens to cost about seven
times as much!). Roof up or down, the rear-wheel-drive FC-series RX-7 has a near
equal front/rear weight distribution and feels very balanced through corners.
Turn-in is precise and rear-end breakaway is sweet and progressive – even on
140,000km old suspension. The ride is surprisingly supple and the independent
rear-end squats noticeably under full power. While the front rides on MacPherson
struts, the back end of the Seven uses a multi-link semi trailing arm
arrangement with Dynamic Tracking Suspension System (DTSS) passive rear-steer.
Lightweight aluminium suspension components are employed throughout. Braking
performance is well up to the task with four ventilated disc brakes. We believe
ABS was an option.
Inside, the RX7’s styling is now very dated but
there’s no criticising the equipment list. There are power windows and mirrors,
cruise control, full instrumentation (including a boost gauge), CD sound system,
central locking, leather trim and air conditioning. There’s seating for only two
and minimal space behind the backrests but boot volume is quite useable.
Visually, the ‘80s style RX-7 is still a well
proportioned and attractive car nearly two decades after release. Sure, its
pop-up headlights are dated but it’s definitely an eye catcher – especially with
the roof down. Our test car was equipped with aftermarket rims which replace the
standard 15 inch alloy wheels.
With a bit of cosmetic detailing, our test car could be brought up to
virtually as-new condition while the mechanicals performed absolutely
problem-free. Adelaide Japanese Imports currently has the 1988 built car marked
at AUD$8950 ready-to-go – a bargain. But it’s important to be aware that this is
a car that will require a substantial budget to maintain. After 18 years of use
you can expect to encounter some maintenance bills on the mechanicals – and,
unfortunately, good condition second-hand engines and accessories are now very
rare.
Given the difficulties sourcing affordable replacement
parts, we reckon it’d be wise to enjoy your RX-7 turbo cabriolet with a
near-standard power output. Bung on a high-flow exhaust and air intake for about
15 percent more power and be happy with what you’ve got – wind up the boost and
you’ll likely shorten the life of that wonderful little rotary engine.
Keep it mild and there should be plenty more years of enjoyment left in the
mighty drop-top ‘7.
Contact:
Adelaide Japanese Imports +61 8 8369 1156
http://www.adelaidejap.com.au
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