Wheeler Dealers

Mike Brewer discovers a classic 1985 MK1 Mazda RX7 and embarks on restoring it. The vehicle is hampered by particularly unstable aftermarket add‑ons and a rotary engine of dubious reliability, presenting a significant challenge for the restoration. He must resolve both problems to complete the build.

The show is an episode that centres on a single classic automobile – the 1985 MK1 Mazda RX7. It falls under the programme format and is presented as a self‑contained instalment, focusing entirely on this particular vehicle. In the episode, presenter Mike Brewer comes across the ageing RX7 and decides to give it a proper restoration. The car, however, arrives with a host of problematic aftermarket modifications and a rotary engine whose condition is far from reliable. Brewer’s task is to sort out the unstable additions and address the engine’s dubious state while returning the car to its original spirit. The restoration process forms the core of the narrative, with Brewer methodically tackling each non‑standard fitting that threatens the car’s stability. He evaluates the impact of the after‑market parts, removes or rectifies those that compromise performance, and works to revive the rotary power unit despite its questionable health. The episode follows his step‑by‑step approach, illustrating the practical challenges of bringing a heavily altered classic back to a sound condition. By the conclusion, the programme showcases the transformation of the 1985 Mazda RX7 from a vehicle plagued by unreliable modifications to a restored example of its original design. The episode therefore offers a focused look at classic‑car restoration, highlighting both the technical hurdles and the satisfaction of reviving a beloved rotary‑engine sports car.