1980 Mazda Rx-7 26.5k Miles Rear Hatch Reflects A Mid-engine Ferrari on 2040-cars
Wichita, Kansas, United States
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This 1980 RX-7 is low mileage because it's former owner was a designer of accessories and systems, for the first generation RX-7. He design (and used to sell) a plenum kit and adapter for mounting a Holley carb on the intake, for performance sake. He also designed and sold head light lamp adapters, so this car has rectangular headlamps, in lieu of the large round lamps. In addition, this car has a steel back hatch which affords it the look of a mid-engine Ferrari, includes a rear opening window, for ventilation. I have no idea how it can have the Ferrari emblem it has on the outside, on the rear end of the hatch, but it does. Maybe this is a prototype, which was going to be licensed from Ferrari ? I've seen fiberglass hatches in Japan, which are somewhat similar. This hatch brings the rear window much closer to the front seat, while still also allowing a combined view with the two body mounted rear side windows. The rear wall has four substantial speakers, which are powered by a Pioneer Radio / CD player, pumped through a cross-over, hidden in the glove box. Currently, the stereo is not running. Altec-Lansing speakers are in the wall of the back area. The engine has an aftermarket exhaust header of substantial size, leading to a borla style exhaust tip muffler system, near the end of the exhaust pipe. The cast wheels have air deflectors mounted on the outside of them, for greater brake cooling. I believe the deflectors are also of Norman's design. The dashboard has addition vacuum gages in the center, which I believe assisted the designer in testing his carburetor modifications. There are driving lights and fog lights mounted in the lower front valance, and control switches are on the lower dash. The air cleaner on the carb is a K & N open side design, because the hood scoop, is functional. Inside the hood there is a sheet metal deflector which channels air toward the air cleaner. The designer loved the designs of Ferrari cars, and the wide low profile hood scoop and the hatch, added details which mirrored his ideas. The front disc brakes have been converted to machined aluminum drums and pads. The air conditioning is charged, but is not consistent in function. Being unique in having a rear window you can open, definitely allows for ventilation, even in the rain. The center console is covered with pop in wood panels, and a hinged wooden cover on the storage bin. The car seems to sit lower than most RX-7, but I don't know if the coil springs have been shortened or not for racing. The Ferrari style rear hatch is much heavier than the stock hatch, and probably puts more weight on the rear axle that a normally equipped RX-7. The struts will not support the weight of the hatch. You have to use something to keep the hatch open. This means the road characteristics of the car are not quite typical, compared to other RX-7s. In searching RX-7 website and groups, I have not found another car with this rear hatch in North America. There are companies that offer fiberglass Ferrari inspired add-ons, but nothing like this.
This car has basically been frozen in time, so if you really want to experience a first generation RX-7, that's still like new, this is your chance. |
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