As we celebrate “7s Day” here on Speedhunters, we thought we should tie in this week’s reader poll with the festivities. After an internal discussion between the Speedhunters team, we came up with a list of several historically important and memorable rotary-powered Mazdas from the last 45 years. We’ve included production models, as well as factory race cars and other privately built machines – and each is important in its own way.

So, which of these is the most important or the most memorable to you? Take a look and make your choice below.

The 1978 RX-7 is another groundbreaking car, representing the beginning of one the world’s most unique sports car nameplates.

The first generation RX-7 also made a name for itself on the race track thanks to cars like Mooncraft Group 5 entry at Le Mans. Although it wasn’t well known, cars like this helped pave the way for Mazda’s later success at Le Mans.

Meanwhile in North America, the first generation RX-7 quickly found success with factory backing in IMSA GTU racing. After taking first and second place at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the RX-7 went on to take seven straight GTU championships.

The GTU car was then succeeded by the equally impressive FC-based IMSA GTO entry, which took the 1991 series championship.

Another memorable FC chassis is Racing Beat’s Bonneville RX-7 from 1986 and its record setting 238mph run on the salt.

The Mazda 787B really needs no introduction. Besides making Mazda the only Japanese marque to claim victory at Le Mans, the 787B is also one of the craziest sounding and looking race cars ever.

The FD3S is still a fantastic car by today’s standards, and few are more desirable than the Spirit R model released at the end of the FD’s run. The Spirit R still represents the pinnacle of the rotary sports car.

The FD had a rich competition history, not just in traditional racing but in drifting as well. The ’03 D1GP championship winning Apexi car is an important one for sure.

Another memorable FD-based race car is the RE Amemiya GT300 RX-7 from the Super GT series. Whether in its old Aspara Drink or its M2 livery, this has been one of the most unique machines to compete in Super GT.

The FD has also served as a canvas for some truly incredible tuner builds, like the mind blowing Scoot four-rotor RX-7.

Mad Mike’s RX-7 is another FD with that leaves a huge impact on you. Anyone who’s seen it in person will agree.

The contributions of the rotary engine to drag racing are not to be overlooked either, with the Pac Performance six second Mazda6 one of the most well known.

The RX-7 has also been pushed to the limit in Time Attack, with the Pan Speed FD being near the top of the list.

Also at the top of the list is Revolution’s Time Attack car ,which has achieved fame both in Japan and at WTAC in Australia.

Last but not least we have Revolution’s RX-8, one the of most impressive examples of Mazda’s 21st century rotary machine.

Make your vote below!

-Mike

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