Trying to track down history on my widebody targa (rotary engineering / petty enterp)
Its getting nicer and as soon as I fix my GS, Im selling it to focus more on the widebody I have. No real need for two as I would rather just spend the money and focus on one.
I was doing some basic research, but am trying to find out as much as I can about the history and modifications done to this car. Here is a picture for those who don't know: http://theglogspot.com/gallery/album...5391.sized.jpg And here is what I have found out so far: Rotary Engineering Widebody kit? The magazine ad below is strikingly similar to the way my widebody looked before the previous owner started the body work. Pic 1 is the ad, pic 2 and 3 are 'in progress' pictures. Could it really be the same car? Im really trying to figure this one out. If it is, I am painting it the same colors again. http://theglogspot.com/gallery/albums/80_rx7/rr20.jpg Note the paint on the hood http://theglogspot.com/gallery/album...375023_n_1.jpg http://theglogspot.com/gallery/album...567069_n_1.jpg I am thinking that the targa could be made by Petty Engineering in California. Here is a quick ad from them: http://theglogspot.com/gallery/albums/80_rx7/35_G.jpg Mine has a fiberglass roof with the 'vette style latches that connect to the original roof. The weather stripping is different (due to the past work and age). The frame has been reinforces with what looks like channeling bolted and welded through the floor. Id have to figure out how to check the windshield and rocker reinforcements some how but not sure how. Im trying to get as much information as possible about both companies in hopes to find out what exactly I have. Id like to 'restore' it to a certain point to almost 'hold on' to some (what could be) history. Thanks! And I can grab more pictures if needed. |
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Very nice. The wide body lends itself to the targa very nicely. I like it better than hard top wide bodies for sure!
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I can't help but the targa widebody fb white with gold rims look nice.
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Have you called rotary engineering? They no doubt would remember a car like that!
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Amazing piece of machinery, always marveled at the styling and overall fit of the vehicle whenever I saw it. I hope you find the history you are looking for Chris, its an awesome car. I know this is noob sounding, but you could do carfax or such. I might do my car in the future just to see what they have recorded for my car since I'm at least the 4th or 5th owner according to the documents i got with mine
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Chris, that would be cool if your car is the same one in the rotary Engineering Ad. I would contact them, although back then, they were out of California. I don't think the current company has any links to the one back then. Do you have any info on the previous owners and what states it was registered in?
I'd assume the original RE car was a California car and as such would have had the emissions sticker in the drivers rear quarter glass along with some specific, CA only smog equipment under the hood. These could have been removed with all the work done to your car, but the center iron on california cars has an additional opening on the top. Does your have this? I can post a pic of the difference later. |
Banzai is correct, RE as it was known back in the day no longer exists and the
current company by that name is not in anyway descended from it. Maybe you can find out the RE owner names and try contacting them directly. |
Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
(Post 11000242)
Maybe you can find out the RE owner names and try contacting them directly.
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The only information I have regarding the previous owners is that the husband (who passed away after painting the car) of the lady who I bought it from picked it up from a shop in PA who was going to fix it. That shop got it from a police auction or something similar where they completely stripped down the car looking for anything on a case they were working. Safe to say, one of the owners went to jail. Its funny, because when I took the carpet out to rewire some things, I noticed a hoe cut in the floor going to the frame rail that was almost boxed in. I dont know, maybe a hidden compartment? haha
As for a VIN check, that will be difficult to do as it is 11 digits compared to the 17 from 1981/2 up. I called Mariah Motorsports and found out that Rotary Engineering actually worked through MM to design and build the widebody kit that is the same style that I currently own. I may call Mariah again and ask if they have any contacts for those who may have worked for RE. It would be nice to get somewhere with this other than spinning in circles. I am tempted to find out though so I can 'partially restore' the exterior at least (paint wise). |
Are you planning to go back to the blue with stripes?
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Also forgot to mention, the engine in the car currently is not he same as the one from the factory. I have a 82/83 engine in there currently so I doubt even that would hint to anything :(
Edit: @Chris - Yes most likely. If not, I will do the car in the white like it is currently, and replace the medium / dark blue strips (like in the ad) with a medium and dark gold. |
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by chris_g
(Post 11000554)
Also forgot to mention, the engine in the car currently is not he same as the one from the factory. I have a 82/83 engine in there currently so I doubt even that would hint to anything :(
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Chris, I sent that article to your gmail account. It does mention that the owner of Rotary Engineering: Wayne Grahm, knew and was friends with Jim Mederer from Racing Beat. There's a possibile connection to finding this Grahm and possibily confirming the history of your car! Goodluck.
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Awesome! Thank you! Ill call Racing Beat Monday in hopes that they care to hear my story!
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Love your white widebody targa. So awesome!
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Originally Posted by chris_g
(Post 11000554)
Yes most likely. If not, I will do the car in the white like it is currently, and replace the medium / dark blue strips (like in the ad) with a medium and dark gold.
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I want a targa SA, just saying.
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Spoke to a nice gentleman at Mazda Corporate. Because the VIN is only 11 digits, he was unable ot look into anything. He is relaying my name and contact information to a guy who has been there for 25+ years who may have access to at least the dealership location.
Edit 1: Mazda called back and only had this information: Assembly Date: Feb 27, 1980 Sell Date: May 10, 1980 Engine #: 12A2160852 Edit 2: I called Racing Beat and spoke with Tanner who helped me out immensely! Jim Mederer and Wayne Grahm are both around and still involved with both companies! Racing Beat and Rotary Engineering (which is now part of Mariah). Back on the phone with Mariah I go! He also mentioned Pacific T-Top as another place who thought about doing the Targa conversions at one point. |
Originally Posted by chris_g
(Post 11005742)
Spoke to a nice gentleman at Mazda Corporate. Because the VIN is only 11 digits, he was unable ot look into anything. He is relaying my name and contact information to a guy who has been there for 25+ years who may have access to at least the dealership location.
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At least you know the engine S/N now. I thought without the window sticker there was no available way to find out or confirm it. Sounds like your close to finding out if your car is actually the one!
The original drivetrain warrenty on SA's were 3yr/50K miles which ever came first. |
Id like to thank Rich and Chris for the following ad:
http://theglogspot.com/gallery/album...05_1.sized.jpg It appears to have similar wheels (judging by the lip) and mirrors. It appears at the time of this picture, it didnt have the targa conversion which would make sense being an SCCA car driven by Patty Pfiefer. But, could the targa have been added after? If so, why would the paint scheme be SO similar? Maybe one of the owners knew about the car and thought it fit? Who knows. I will figure this out though. |
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