Ran across this video on YouTube when searching for the mid 80's Pro/Celebrity Mazda Race (*which I couldn't find...). It's a modern take on the Motul Mazda SPA winning car based on the SA body, and gives the car a good track review:
If anybody knows what happened to the -SE's used in the 1984 or 1985 Pro/Celebrity Mazda series, I'd be interested. They captured my attention back then when you could see actors and actresses, newscasters, and other media people driving the famous race tracks around the USA. Hope you enjoy it like I did - and be sure to put on some headphones and turn it up!

 

Nice video. Driver at the end of the clip "what a cool car!". Indeed.

 

That looks fun!

Here's another one that's worth seeing if you haven't already:

 

sweet! thx for the story-

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Is that a 4WD rx7 or an rx7 on a 4WD course?

 

Spa is the name of a city, not an acronym :P

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spa,_Belgium

 

Yes, Millen used to run 4WD 7's. They used Mazda 626 FWD components.

 

That car is two wheel drive. Allegedly it's all Ford Escort underpinnings, too, since Escorts were proven to work extremely well and the parts were readily available. (Ford even wrote a book on how to prep a car, complete with diagrams and tips for quick servicing - you can find it online if you look for the Ford Escort Prep Manual)

Millen's 4wd car was an FC built for hillclimbs. It had radical engine setback and is completely irrelevant to the thread

 

Sorry, I was just trying to answer Qingdao's question. The info is from a book I have.
The sticker on the window of the car says 4WD. I'm not sure if it's the same one in this video before the lights on the front.

 

Rod Millen built his first AWD RX-7 in 1983 at his personal shop to compete in the SCCA open class.

13B p-port w/ 51mm Weber, Weismann Transmission power take off unit at rear of transmission and 626 front suspension/hubs- not sure what rack and pinion. Said to add 45Kgs.



-edit-
Later season with injection-
You can see the front axle tucks under the engine with diff on the side.
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/images/pg15_05b.jpg
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/images/pg15_04b.jpg

 

This thread has been pirated... Garr.


But seriously sexy!!!

 

Road and track road tested it too. maybe i'll scan it in

 

The FC in the vid is definitely 4wd.

 

So the old ford escort had the same bell housing as a rotary or is that transmission like a 100% custom thing.

Where is the transfer case?

I've gotta do some research now.

 

The transfer case would be just aft of the trans. Looks like you can barely see it. The front driveshaft points to it.

 

Hate to burst your bubble Peejay but I saw that 4wd rx7 compete at the 100 Acre Wood Rally
that I worked corners at and did photog duty for the car club I was in at the time. It was an
awesome car and really convinced me to get the SA I have today when I got out of school.

 

In the pic peejay quoted, you can see the front wheels spinning and throwing dirt in the air.

 

Damn, had to show pic of rally light set-up on RX7 FB. I would love that set-up on my car if you could use the lights legally on road. Now wondering if the alternator could run those lights.

Nice clip BTW.

 

I guess that means my car is 4wd too?





I'll admit to being schooled on his later ProRally car. That's interesting...

 

This post is the bomb, just saying. Keep the cool videos coming!