If proof was needed that Mazda needs to revive the RX-7, then here it is – the 1995 Series VI/FD RX-7 SP race car that once wore Triple M livery and was driven to victory at the ’95 Eastern Creek 12-hour by JB and Dick.

This review was first published in MOTOR magazine’s February 2009 issue.

It isn’t too heavily modified, but with a full roll cage, no airbag, race seats and a fire-breathing exhaust, it isn’t road-registered, either. Some early morning track time at Wakefield Park beckoned.

Again, it’s the superb balance of this RX-7’s chassis that makes it so entertaining to throw around. I’ve been warned that this wicked-up SP wearing old tyres might be like driving on ice, but she’s actually pretty sticky, until I try and squeeze on some twin-turbo thrust exiting Wakefield Park’s hairpin, and discover that when this RX-7’s arse lets go, it does so instantly.

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This modified example (with an estimated 240kW, up from the standard SP’s 204) is pretty laggy at low revs and isn’t anywhere near as tractable as either the RX-8’s Renesis or the Cosmo’s 10A, but its mid-range is monumental, and the back-slamming grunt on tap from 4800rpm to the 7500rpm cut-out is sensational.

It’s a reminder of just how suited Mazda’s rotary is to forced induction, and to racetrack applications. And why we’d love to see another RX-7.

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Fast Facts – 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP

LIKE: Reminds you just how right and how great the last RX-7 was DISLIKE: Its racetrack nous and turbo stonk might not be carried on