Mazda RX87

Vehicle Overview

The Mazda RX87, unveiled at the 1967 Tokyo Motor Show, was a groundbreaking concept car designed by the legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was working for Bertone at the time. This concept vehicle gave an early glimpse of the design direction that would later influence the production model, the Mazda Luce R130. The RX87 was not just a concept for show; it was a visionary prototype that showcased innovative design and technology, which would shape Mazda’s future models. One of the most striking features of the RX87 was its elegant and dynamic design, characteristic of Giugiaro’s style. The car featured smooth, flowing lines and a sleek profile, with an aerodynamic shape that reflected the modern design trends of the late 1960s. The RX87’s styling hinted at the upcoming production version, the Luce R130, but with a more futuristic and refined approach, showcasing Giugiaro’s talent for blending form with function. The car’s bold, forward-looking design emphasized simplicity and purity of form, with a low, wide stance that exuded a sense of speed and elegance. The RX87 was also significant for its innovative engineering, as it was powered by the revolutionary Wankel rotary engine, a technology that Mazda would later become famous for. The Wankel engine’s compact design and smooth operation offered unique performance characteristics, which were a departure from the traditional piston engines used by most manufacturers at the time. In addition to the Wankel engine, the RX87 featured front-wheel drive, another forward-thinking choice that would help define the Mazda Luce R130 once it entered production. At the 1967 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mazda RX87 captivated the audience with its modern design and cutting-edge technology. It symbolized Mazda’s commitment to innovation and set the stage for the brand’s future, particularly in terms of its adoption of the Wankel engine and front-wheel drive layout in production cars. Though the RX87 itself never reached the production line, it played a crucial role in shaping the development of Mazda’s iconic models and remains a significant milestone in the history of automotive design.