WEEKEND WARRIOR

NAME: COLE WATSON AGE: 34 LOCATION: AUCKLAND OCCUPATION: PANEL BEATER

NZ Performance Car : Hi, Cole. When did you get this RX-7, and why did you buy it?

Cole: Hey, NZPC. The FD has always been a bucket-list car for me, and I’ve had this one for about five years now. It’s my first rotary, but I’ve always played with Mazdas in the past, having owned a turbo MX-5 and now also owning a RX-8.

Had you planned to get this far into the build?

The car was a bit tired when I got it, and it was only supposed to be a one-month tidy-up. That has now turned into a five-year labour of love.

And what does it get used for primarily?

My wife calls it a “garage statue” — that seems pretty accurate.

What do you most enjoy about the RX-7?

Just being able to go out to the shed and tinker with it. I’m glad that New Zealand has such a good rotary/car scene; there are always people willing to lend a hand or get out and do things.

So, you’ve managed to do most of the work yourself?

Yeah, most of the work has been done by me or mates lending a hand.

But if you could change one thing, what would it be?

Of course, I’d love a huge turbo and massive porting, but I’m happy with where it’s at right now. I don’t need 1000hp to drive Beach Road on a Sunday afternoon.

And what would you like to do with it and/or to it in future?

I’d love to just be able to hold onto it, you know? They don’t make ’em any more. Is there anything better than opening your garage door holding the key to an FD?