Mazda introduced 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 – an attribute 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), and the car’s global sales reduced as it 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. It is said to be a must-have for any RX-7 enthusiast.
The author, Brian Long, was born in Coventry, once the heart of the British motor industry. He is a professional writer with a passion for vintage and sporting machinery. With close friends in the Japanese car industry, Brian was ideally placed to write the definitive story of the Mazda RX-7, a car he holds in high regard.
Brian is a member of the RJC, a committee member of the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame, a member of the Society of Automotive Historians, and a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers. He has had over 70 books published, including many works on Mazda models.
Married to Miho and with two children (Louis and Sophie-Mercedes), Brian now lives just outside Tokyo, and spends much of his free time with thoroughbred horses.
Check out two more new books for petrolheads – To Boldly Go and A Life In Car Design.
