Preserving a JDM Legend: From Abandoned RX-7 to Touge Weapon

The rotary engine is a mechanical marvel—loved by enthusiasts but feared for its upkeep. At Drivers Lounge, we believe everyone deserves the chance to experience this iconic engine, especially here in Japan, the birthplace of Mazda’s rotary legacy and JDM culture.

We began the hunt for the right RX-7. Many looked promising, but they lacked that authentic, period-correct vibe. Then came a call from a friend, three hours north of Tokyo. He told us about a "barn find" RX-7 tucked away in someone’s backyard.

When we arrived, the car was buried in dust—you could barely tell it was red. The owner had used it as a track car until the engine blew, and it sat abandoned ever since. Buying a non-runner is always a gamble, but this one had character: a '90s-era body kit and, surprisingly, no rust and a clean chassis.

We knew if we didn’t save it, it would likely end up scrapped. So we struck a deal, paid cash, and trailered it back to our workshop. That same night, we gave it a rinse and began planning its rebirth.

The next day, the engine came out and went straight to our trusted rotary specialist in Tochigi. Meanwhile, we began restoring the body, upgrading the brakes, and setting up proper suspension geometry.

The car originally wore a questionable set of WedsSport wheels, but to stay true to its era, we fitted classic Enkei RPF1s wrapped in sticky Toyo rubber. We also addressed cooling—an essential fix for rotaries—by installing a new GReddy V-mount radiator and intercooler setup.

After months of hard work, restoration, and upgrades, the RX-7 was finally ready to carve through Japan’s legendary touge roads—reborn as a proper driver’s machine.

It would’ve been cheaper to just buy a sorted RX-7—but we didn’t just build a car. We saved a piece of JDM history. And that, to us, is priceless.