Rare Mazda RX-7 Le Mans Racer Found After 35 Years

Legacy Resurrected - Mazda’s commitment to motorsport has always been a fascinating chapter in automotive history, blending innovation with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Among its most unique contributions is the Mazda 254i, a race car based on the RX-7 that has long been shrouded in mystery. Once forgotten, this exceptional vehicle has now reemerged, captivating enthusiasts with its story and craftsmanship.

A glimpse of the long-lost gem, the Mazda RX-7 254i, after its rediscovery in 2019 in Okayama. (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

As quoted by TheJapaneseNostalgicCar, the Mazda 254i debuted at the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the peak of Mazda's Group 5 endurance racing efforts. Two cars were entered in the race, reflecting years of development and lessons learned on the global motorsport stage.  

The Mazda RX-7 254i made its debut at the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the pinnacle of Mazda's Group 5 endurance racing efforts with two cars entered, showcasing years of development and experience gained on the global motorsport stage. (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

The No. 82 car reached a significant milestone for Mazda, finishing 14th overall and overcoming the extreme challenges of Le Mans. Meanwhile, the No. 83 car showed strong performance, reaching as high as 8th place before retiring mid-race due to mechanical issues.

One of the Mazda RX-7 254i cars that raced in the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans was the No. 82 car, which finished 14th overall and overcame the extreme challenges of Le Mans. (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

This marked the end of an era. That same year, the FIA introduced Group C, a new class of prototype racers, which shifted the focus of endurance racing. Mazda adapted quickly, introducing the 717C in 1983, and eventually achieved iconic status with the Le Mans-winning 787B in 1991. As attention turned to these prototypes, the 254i faded into obscurity, its significance overshadowed by the evolving world of motorsport.

This is the Mazda RX-7 254i No. 83, which showed strong performance, reaching as high as 8th place at the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans before retiring mid-race due to mechanical issues. (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

Years later, one of the two 254i cars resurfaced in Japan, reigniting interest in this rare machine. Found in Okayama, a relatively remote prefecture, the car was confirmed as the No. 83 vehicle by Tachimoto-san, a former chief mechanic at Mazdaspeed. His expert analysis of its brake system and rear suspension, combined with historical records, authenticated the car’s origins. Despite its decades-long disappearance, the vehicle remained remarkably intact, making it the sole surviving example of Mazda’s Group 5 racers.

Beneath layers of paint, traces of its JSPC racing days were revealed, connecting it to the iconic black-and-gold Jun livery and its later pink appearance in Japanese endurance races. (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

Following its rediscovery, the 254i underwent a painstaking restoration process. Powercraft, a renowned specialty shop in Gotemba, restored the car’s composite bodywork, ensuring every detail reflected its original form. Isami Amemiya, the celebrated figure behind RE Amemiya, took on the task of rebuilding its iconic 13B rotary engine. The car’s specifications highlight its engineering prowess, with the dual-rotor engine producing 300 PS and the vehicle’s lightweight design ensuring unparalleled performance for its time.

One of the late '70s/early '80s Group 5 and IMSA GTX cars, the Mazda RX-7 254i (Mooncraft) in its striking black-gold livery, with traces of which can still be seen on the rediscovered Mazda RX-7 254i. (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

Further inspection revealed fascinating details about the car’s history. Underneath layers of paint, remnants of its JSPC racing days were uncovered, linking it to the striking black-and-gold Jun livery and its subsequent pink appearance in Japanese endurance races. These findings offered a deeper understanding of the car’s journey and cemented its place in Mazda’s storied motorsport history.

Another trace found under the paint on the rediscovered Mazda RX-7 254i is believed to be from the pink Mazda RX-7 254i (Mooncraft). (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

Today, the restored Mazda 254i has become a celebrated artifact of racing culture, making appearances at historic motorsport events and exhibitions. Its sharp design, powerful rotary engine, and unmistakable livery capture the spirit of an era when Mazda defied expectations and forged its unique path in endurance racing. For both veteran fans and newcomers, the 254i serves as a reminder of Mazda’s ingenuity and determination.

The Mazdaspeed A-Spec body kit for the FD RX-7 inspired by the Group 5 RX-7 racer. (Picture from: TheJapaneseNostalgicCar)

The 254i’s revival has also inspired fresh interest in Mazda’s broader racing legacy. While the 787B remains the brand’s most celebrated racer, the rediscovered 254i highlights the foundations of that success. It embodies the experimental spirit that defined Mazda’s early ventures into motorsport, bridging the gap between humble beginnings and ultimate triumphs.

As the Mazda 254i continues to draw attention, its story resonates with car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This rare vehicle isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of innovation, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a manufacturer and its fans. The car’s journey from obscurity to restoration ensures that its legacy remains alive, celebrated, and admired for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JAPANESENOSTALGICCAR | SECRET-CLASSIC | GTPLANET ]

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