Rare rotary-powered Mazda RX-7 Group B rally car up for grabs

One of the least-celebrated rally cars of the legendary Group B era, a Mazda RX-7, is heading across the auction block.

Mazda RX-7 Group B rally car

The Group B era of rallying was dominated throughout the 1980s by European brands, with the most iconic cars being made by Audi, Lancia, MG, and Renault, among others.

While outshone by other brands, Mazda created its own Group B vehicles based on the first-generation RX-7 – with one of the 19 rally cars now being sold at auction.

Whereas the most successful rally cars in the championship combined the latest turbocharging technology with all-wheel drive, the RX-7 was powered by a 1.3-litre non-turbo 13B twin-rotor engine, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

Performance came through a Weber 51 IDA carburettor, along with dual electronic ignition, and peripheral intake ports.

VIDEO: New Group B rally film Race for Glory coming soon

Mazda RX-7 Group B rally car interior

The engine was also moved approximately four inches (100mm) back to help improve handling.

It wasn’t until the second-generation RX-7 that New Zealand racing legend Rod Millen turbocharged a 13B engine in combination with all-wheel drive – using the vehicle at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in the US.

This older RX-7 for sale uses a widened fibreglass body, with the iconic blue stripes forming the livery.

The Mazda RX-7 Group B rally car is currently located in Hawaii, and at the time of writing, bidding had exceeded $US60,000 ($AU92,000) on auction platform Bring A Trailer.

The post Rare rotary-powered Mazda RX-7 Group B rally car up for grabs appeared first on Drive.

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