Rx-7 Mazda’s Rotary Engine Sports Car

Mazda launched its first rotary-engined car – the Cosmo – in 1966, and was the only car manufacturer to solve the major problems associated with Wankel’s radical engine design so that the unit’s potential could be exploited and enjoyed. Launched in 1978, the RX-7 provided effortless and uncannily smooth performance, attributes that endeared the model to enthusiasts through three generations of production. With each reincarnation the RX-7 became more of a Grand Tourer and less of a sports car (a mantle handed on to the MX-5/Miata); global sales reduced as the car moved upmarket until, in the new millennium, the model was only sold in its native Japan.Lavishly illustrated with good quality colour photographs, this book provides an in-depth insight into this amazing production automobile. “A must have for any RX7 enthusiast.”

Revised for the third edition, Brian Long's expertise in the Japanese car market comes into play with an exploration of Mazda's once-definitive model. Many archive images and development details have been added since the second edition, and it is truly astonishing to take in the long gestation of the RX-7 after the impact of the Cosmo. Fans of 1960s futurism, 1970s fantasy and 1980s technology will be pulled into the diversity of concepts that lead to the production cars. There's a little personal story, but for the most part this is a factual gathering of development, marketing and evolution and will delight technical enthusiasts. - Classic Car Weekly.

Born in Coventry, the heart of Britain's motor industry, Brian comes from a family with a proud heritage in the automotive and aviation fields. He trained as a mechanical engineer, and worked for a time at his father's garage. Brian became heavily involved in the classic car scene at 19, and says he turned to writing by accident. He now writes full-time and, since 1990, when his first book was released, he has had over 80 titles published. Brian and his wife, Miho, have two children, Louis and Sophie-Mercedes. They currently live in Chiba, close to Tokyo, where they can enjoy life with their Dobermann and a Thoroughbred racehorse, now retired from the tracks.

Mazda launched its first rotary-engine car--the Cosmo--in 1966, and was the only car manufacturer to solve the problems associated with Wankel's radical engine design and allow the unit's potential to be fully enjoyed. The RX-7 of 1978 provided effortless and uncannily smooth performance, attributes that endeared the model to enthusiasts through three generations of production. Each reincarnation the RX-7 became more of a Grand Tourer, and less of a sports car (a mantle handed on to the MX-5/Miata). Global sales reduced as the car moved upmarket until, in the new millennium, the model was only sold in its native Japan. Lavishly illustrated with high quality color photographs, RX-7 Mazda's Rotary Engine Sports Car provides an in-depth insight into this amazing production automobile.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.