Mazda RX-7 SA

    The first generation RX-7 SA22C began its life, as a prototype car, back in 1976 when it was called project X605 by Mazda. The first prototype was completed in late 1977.  The Mazda X605, was first unveiled to the public on March 30th 1978 in Japan  and then moved to the USA on April 24th. This all came when the market for small sports cars, was quickly dwindling, some said it was some what of a bold move for Mazda to unveil this revolutionary sport. As it turned out, this was yet another excellent move by Mazda, as was the introducing of the Rotary engine in the first place, which came out in the "Cosmo Sports" some eleven years earlier.  One thing that may have helped Mazda over come the odds was the slogan they used for the RX-7's release  "It's the real thing. A sports car with all the traditional virtues and then some." Also contributing to its success is the fact that the RX-7 was (and still is) a terrifically fun little car to drive.

   As with any new concept in the motoring, there where many steps to follow starting with concept drawings. I have compiled some concept drawings, photos of full scale clay models and other pictures of interest. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.