A neglected Mazda RX-7, untouched for over two decades.
A Mazda RX-7, abandoned in a garage for more than 20 years, was recently discovered and brought back to life in a spectacular transformation. This iconic sports car, left to gather dust and dirt since the late ’90s, looked far from its former glory until WD Detailing got their hands on it. After a meticulous cleaning, this RX-7 looks as if it just rolled off the showroom floor.
Originally purchased new by its owner, the RX-7 was driven for around 8,800 miles before being stored away in 1999. While the car itself wasn’t damaged, layers of grime and debris covered its sleek lines, hiding the beauty of this classic Japanese sports car. The cleaning team discovered surprising remnants from its long abandonment, including dead mice and even ammunition inside the glovebox. Fortunately, the original documentation was also found, giving some insight into its history.
The RX-7 holds a special place among car enthusiasts for its unique rotary engine, which produced 275 horsepower and could rev up to 10,000 rpm. When new, this engine allowed the RX-7 to hit 60 mph in about five seconds and reach a top speed of nearly 155 mph. However, the rotary engine’s reliability issues contributed to the model’s rarity today, and Mazda hasn’t produced a rotary-powered sports car since the RX-8.
Though Mazda has hinted at the return of rotary technology, the engine currently only serves as a range extender in one of Mazda’s electric vehicles. For now, this RX-7 barn find serves as a reminder of Mazda’s innovative engineering and the charm of rotary power. Thanks to WD Detailing, this RX-7 has regained its original luster, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate a piece of automotive history that was nearly lost to time.
