Mazda RX-7 SA : A legend who found himself in Argentina

The Mazda RX-7 of the first generation is not just a car. It was a revolutionary in the automotive industry that came and said: “Look what I can do!” and then lapped around your ordinary, boring four-cylinder friends. Its rotary engine, which could make both a technician and a poet equally raise their eyebrows in admiration, became a symbol of technical snobbery and mechanical elegance, but not a synonym for reliability.

Comparison of SA and FB

The RX-7 SA and FB are two versions of the first generation RX-7, with the SA being produced from 1979 to 1980 and the FB from 1981 to 1985. The main differences between these models lie in their design. The SA had larger and more rugged bumpers mounted on springs (when the car collided, they were supposed to soften the impact), giving it a more massive appearance, as you can see in the photo. Meanwhile, the FB received more elegant and integrated bumpers that became part of the overall body design, giving the car a more refined and up-to-date look in the 1980s.

How are things with the technical component?

The heart of the RX-7 was the 12A engine, which, thanks to improved apex seals (not to be confused with piston rings) and a highly efficient lubrication system, allowed for incredible power and reliability. Despite its modest size, this engine was capable of revving up to 7,000 rpm, offering drivers not only speed but also an indescribable driving experience.


Over the years of production, Mazda introduced numerous improvements to the RX-7 FB, including increasing engine power from 105 to 115 horsepower in 1981 and introducing a turbocharged version with the 13B engine rated at 160 hp, allowing it to match and even surpass many European sports cars of the time.

Argentine Tango on Four Wheels

In Argentina, a country where dancing and cars are more than just modes of transportation, the RX-7 found its fans. This car not only fit into the local flavor but also became part of the street culture. The smooth lines, aggressive styling, and the car’s ability to literally “float” on the roads with minimal body roll in turns reminded Argentines of the tango, where every step is an art form.


The Mazda RX-7 SA did more than just fit into the cultural landscape; it became a symbol of the time. It showed that technical solutions could be not only functional but also inspiring. Throughout its production run, every RX-7 model was filled with innovations, from body design to suspension, which was continuously refined to offer even more driving pleasure.

The End of an Era and Legacy

In a country where every car claims to be more than just a means of transportation, the RX-7 became a sort of cultural hero. It’s not just a car; it’s a car with a rotary soul. Its aggressive styling and distinctive engine sound make it an almost poetic figure against the urban landscape, reminding everyone of the golden age of Japanese sports cars.


As with all great things, the story of the Mazda RX-7 SA couldn’t last forever. Its production ended in 1985, leaving behind a legacy that lived on in the form of the updated FC3S and FD. Its design, engineering solutions, and spirit of innovation inspired new generations of developers and car enthusiasts.


Today, the Mazda RX-7 SA is appreciated not only as a car but also as an embodiment of the idea that a machine can be an art form and a part of culture. It’s a symbol that reminds us that sometimes, to move forward, you need to step back, rethink and refine. That’s true mastery – not just following trends but creating them.

Result

But what makes the RX-7 so special in Argentina? Perhaps it’s the ability to bring people together, as clubs form around cars, meetings are held and even the most serious Argentines smile when they hear the roar of such a vehicle. In a country where every other car wants to lead the dance, the RX-7 fits so effortlessly into the rhythm of the streets that it seems to be here for a long time.And while the world may change, some things remain eternal – such as the love for a well-tuned rotary engine and the ability to turn every ride into a little adventure.

This is the RX-7 in Argentina: more than just a car, it’s a symbol of culture and passion, and perhaps the fastest way to learn to dance the tango without getting out from behind the driver’s seat.

The material was worked on by:

Owner: leandrorusso300
Photographermccarthy606
Text: : mccarthy606