Mazda FD RX-7 Engine

Most people know two things about Mazda's 3rd generation RX-7 - 1) They are one of Japan's most beautiful cars 2) They've got funny engines that are prone to going bang. Point two is often over hyped and having previously owned one, am reasonably qualified to comment.

For me the shape of the RX-7 is superb - the double bubble roof and doors are two of my favourite features with the single side windows giving it that jet fighter look. I often marvelled at the rear panels - seemingly one smoothed piece of metal from the front of the roof all the way around the rear back and sides.

Sold officially in the UK from 1992 - 1995, there are a number of differences to the Japanese import RX-7s, available 1992-2002, rocking up on our shores. Built to compete with the likes of Porsche's 968, the 3rd generation RX-7 (FD3S) gained a much sleeker body than the previous RX-7 (FC3S). Weight was a key issue in the development of the car and Mazda's compact rotary (Wankel) engine helped deliver the goods. The 13B-REW two rotor engine was coupled with a sequential twin turbo system delivering phenomenal performance in a compact package to place the engine behind the front suspension. Developing 237bhp in UK spec, Japanese imports have anywhere between 255bhp and 280bhp - if standard which is a rare thing.

Opening the door via the concealed door handle the door swings open - a keen eye will spot the plastic hinge used for weight saving - and you're greeted with a low slung seat and a dash that wraps around the driver. A large tachometer dominates the centre of the dial arrangement with the speedo to the right and oil pressure, water temperature and petrol on the right. The hand brake and gearstick are mounted high up on the transmission tunnel helping that feeling of being low down with everything to hand. FD Mazda RX-7 Price ($8,000-$25,000)