Following the demise of NSU's Ro80, Mazda was left as the only major automobile manufacturer using the Wankel rotary engine.

An entire range of rotary-engined models was developed during the 1970s, but by the decade's end, the RX-7 sports car was the only one of its type selling in significant numbers outside Japan.

Powered by a twin-rotor Wankel of, nominally, 2.3-litres displacement, the pretty RX-7 coupé had debuted in 1978.

Maximum power increased from 105 to 115bhp from 1981 - good enough for a top speed of 125mph, an excellent straight-line performance that the RX-7 combined with handling and grip on a par with European rivals.

Restyled for 1986, the second generation car was fitted with a new, more powerful engine and improved rear suspension at the same time.

A turbocharged variant was introduced in 1988, becoming available in convertible form the following year, and with 200bhp available was capable of a, claimed, 148mph with the top up.

This second generation RX7 Turbo...