Mazda RX7 SP and MX5 SP – developed and built in Australia

The Mazda RX7 SP was the brainchild of Allan Horsley and Mazda MD Malcolm Gough to counter the homologation specials from Porsche (911 RS Clubsport) and BMW (M3 R) that would be their main opposition in the 1995 12 Hour at Eastern Creek. The modi cations to the (FD Series) RX7 took place at MM’s Kingsgrove workshop. Its rotary engine had a larger intercooler and a new ECU to boost power from 204kW to 240kW, there were bigger brakes, special 17-inch BBS wheels, a larger 110 litre fuel tank (a major shortcoming on the standard car), lightweight panels and a large rear wing. Initially 10 were built for racing but a further 19 were built just for the road. Today they are very collectible and are sometimes confused with the ‘Bathurst’ models that the Mazda factory churned out in subsequent years.

Since its inception over 30 years ago the Mazda MX5 has always been a sports car crying out for a more powerful motor. Also the brainchild of Horsley and buoyed by the success of the RX7 SP he simply added a turbo and new ECU to the 1.8 litre engine in the NB Series MX5 increasing power from 113kW to 150kW. Revised suspension was designed by former Mazda rally driver and Australian champion Murray Coote, who was entrusted to develop the package by entering the 2001 Targa Tasmania where he nished an impressive 20th outright, ahead of many more powerful cars. Over 100 examples were produced in Kingsgrove, but the best accolade for the small team was inspiring Mazda Japan to produce its own turbocharged MX5 years later.