Thirty-three years after its debut, the FD3S Mazda RX-7 remains one of the most fascinating tuning platforms to come out of Japan.
I first saw this particular 1999 FD back in May when it was on display at Wekfest Japan 2024. At the time, the bike wasn’t quite ready yet, so I made plans with Masatsuga Chiba of X-Point Import Co., who played a major role played a role in the recreation, to photograph the Mazda later this year. I wanted to take a closer look and discover the direction this 25-year-old beauty had taken.
Like anything that has stood the test of time in popular culture, certain formulas tend to be repeated. Take the Mont Blanc cake for example: it has been a favorite since 1915 and many great recipes have been developed over the years. Step into any pastry shop, anywhere in the world, and you will find a stack of chestnut vermicelli topped with whipped cream, resting on some sort of pastry or biscuit base. But to find one that achieves the perfect balance of bitter, sweet and texture – that’s a whole different story.
Like the Mont Blanc, most nostalgic tuner cars built today follow a proven recipe. There’s nothing wrong with that – these proven combinations of parts and style elements usually work well together. I’m guilty of it myself, having opted for a WRC wide-body kit on my own blue and gold GC8 Impreza.
Normally FD RX-7 builds in Japan follow an expected formula: custom side ports, a big single turbo, a v-mount intercooler setup and a body kit from TCP Magic or RE Amemiya. It’s a recipe that consistently produces a cool-looking and fast street car. But the question is: do any of these structures really have a soul?
But what gives a car its soul? Maybe it has to do with the owner, or maybe it’s a sign of authenticity – like a set of thirty-year-old wheels or a vintage grand piano – that gives the car a sense of history and character.
Seiya Inazu‘s RX-7, finished in stunning Nouvelle Blue Pearl (a second-generation Honda NSX color), has gone beyond the typical formula. It’s more than just a JDM FD3S; it’s the automotive equivalent of a gourmet Mont Blanc, the kind you’d expect to find in Heston Blumenthal’s fridge.
Interestingly enough, a Honda S2000 provided much of the inspiration for the creation of Inazu-san.
Inside, the car has been carefully upgraded with lots of suede. In addition to all the expected aftermarket additions – including Bride
On the outside, the combination of a RE Amemiya aero and a Scoot Sports vented hood gives this FD an aggressive, almost Dodge Viper-esque look.
But the real magic happens under that hood. Of course, you can throw a bunch of tuning parts at any FD’s 13B-REW twin-turbo engine and expect a certain result – it’s a recipe you’ll find on countless Instagram feeds. But making it all fit together in a way that is both functional and beautiful is quite a challenge.
Originally modified by Mochi Racing, this 13B features custom side ports, a massive HKS GTIII-4R turbocharger, Trust/GReddy v-mount intercooler, a titanium exhaust system from Car Shop Glow and more. However, it was later torn down and rebuilt at X-Point, who also handled the wire crimping and engine bay bracing using a special harness from Rywire Motorsport Electronics. That harness supports the upgrade of the Ignition Project ignition system (with R35 coil packs) and the Link G4X engine management system.
The wheels all around are Desmond Regamaster EVO IIs, just like those on the 97GT car I photographed a few weeks ago. Clearly, the owners of both FD3S RX-7s followed a similar recipe.
If I were to compare the two cars – both brilliant in their own right – I know which one I would drive home. But what about you?
Toby Thyer
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