The Mazda RX-7 introduced sports car buyers to the benefits of the rotary engine. Unlike a normal piston engine, the horsepower in a rotary engine is generated by the moving parts all going in the same direction. The result is a smooth, light engine. In the RX-7 the engine is placed behind the front axle for an even 50/50 weight distribution. Series 1 (1978–1980) is commonly referred to as the “SA22C” from the first alphanumerics of the vehicle identification number. In Japan, it was introduced in March 1978, replacing the Savanna RX-3, and joined Mazda’s only other remaining rotary engine-powered products, called the Mazda Cosmo which was a two-door luxury coupe, and the Mazda Luce luxury sedan.
The lead designer at Mazda was Matasaburo Maeda, whose son Ikuo would go on to design the Mazda2 and Mazda RX-8. The transition of the Savanna to a sports car appearance reflected products from other Japanese manufacturers. In May 1980, Mazda released a limited production run of special North American models known as the Leathersport Models. This package was essentially an uprated GS model with added LS badges on each B-pillar, special striping, and LS-only gold anodized wheels (with polished outer face and wheel rim). All LS editions came equipped with special LS-only full brown leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, removable sunroof, LS-specific four-speaker AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna (though listed as a six-speaker stereo, as the two rear dual voice coil speakers were counted as four speakers in total), remote power door side mirrors, and other standard GS equipment.
Two primary options were also available; a three-speed JATCO 3N71B automatic transmission and air conditioning. Other GS options such as cassette tape deck, splash guards, padded center console armrest, and others could be added by the dealer. The LS model was only ever available in three different exterior colors: Aurora White, Brilliant Black, and Solar Gold. No official production records are known to exist or to have been released.
Kit features two sets of wheels, a detailed twin-rotor rotary engine, optional seats, spoilers, and wheel flares.
1/24 Mazda RX-7 2 ‘n 1 Model Kit
- Product ID: 85-4429
- Highly detailed plastic pieces molded in white and clear
- Chrome-plated parts and soft black tires
- 2 sets of wheels, stock, and racing
- Detailed twin-rotor engine
- Optional seats, spoilers, and wheel flares
- Waterslide decals
- Illustrated instructions
- Skill Level: 4
- Scale: 1/24
- Length: 6-7/8″
- Width: 3″
- Height: 2″
- Parts: 94
- Street Price: $22.99
When Revell USA announced the 1/24 Mazda RX-7 early this year. It entered my ”to immediately build list.” This Mazda RX-7 model kit went pretty much from the box it arrived into the workbench. This one is from the REVELL PERFORMANCE SERIES and comes as a 2’n1 model kit. The model builder has the option of building this kit either as Stock or Drag. All the parts have a nice fit except the body and Front Pan part #27.
Speaking of the front pan (part #27), whatever you do, don’t added to the body until the instructions calls for it. I did the opposite as I have done with countless models to find out that the pan will be a big obstacle during the body shell and chassis assembly.
The engine comes decently detailed out-of-the-box and the firewall and inside fenders have nicely molded in detail also. There’s room for super detailing here. I stripped the chrome off of the parts and painted them in black followed by an old-fashioned dry brush with Testors Model Master Enamel Chrome. The entire body of the car was painted with Model Master Lacquer Revving Red 1837. Decals were added and sealed with a coat of Wet Look Clear Coat also from Model Master. Decals on this model kit are of good quality but not white enough to cover the underlying color. I will not blame the decals but my color of choice instead. Overall this kit is not really hard to put together and like I previously mentioned, the parts fit if very good.
Will definitely buy and build a stock version of it and for that price who wouldn’t?
I would highly recommend the Revell 1/24 Mazda RX-7 model kit!
My sincere thanks to Revell USA for the review sample.
