Coming Soon

Mazda RX-7 SA22C / FB (1st Generation, US)

1979–1985 · SA22C/FB · coupe

The first-gen RX-7 launched in 1978 (as a 1979 US model) with the naturally aspirated 12A twin-rotor Wankel making around 100 hp at first, growing to about 115 hp by the end. The body code SA22C applies to the earlier cars and FB to the post-1981 facelift; both are commonly grouped as first-gen. A larger naturally aspirated 13B was offered late in the run (GSL-SE). Lightweight, RWD, balanced; the car that made the rotary a household name in the US.

Watch out: Owner reports of apex seal wear on neglected or hot-running rotaries, carburetor (early cars) or fuel-injection (late GSL-SE) tuning issues, and rust on rocker panels and rear quarter panels. Premix or quality oil-metering function is essential to keep apex seals alive.