Keisuke can still buy parts for his rotary FD Mazda RX-7!

The FD Mazda RX-7 is undoubtedly one of my favourite Japanese sports car of any era. Even today, it looks achingly beautiful and timeless. If you own one of these, well, lucky you! Why so? Well, did you know that Mazda still makes parts for your Wankel engine? 

That's right, if you own a FC or FD-generation RX-7, Mazda's Hiroshima engine plant has got you covered, according to this feature by Mazda Classic. Tetsuya Sato, a veteran of 36 years in the Hiroshima plant, said, "Many people don't know, but in fact Mazda continues to manufacture rotary engines."

Sato, a machine tool expert, continued, "It (the rotary engines) will be installed in new cars until the RX-8 (production ended in 2012), but even after that. We continue to manufacture the 13B type repair parts and the bare engine body assembled with new parts. That is why this factory remains in this way."

Also read: Toyota keeps classic Supras on the road with GR Heritage Parts project

Sato, together with nine other personnel, produce not only rotors, but apex seals, rotor housing, side housing, eccentric shaft, and all the other parts needed for a rotary engine. On average, this factory ships out an average of 200 to 400 rotary engine parts to the world every month. Remember, a team of ten people!

Even more interesting, is the fact that the 13B engine has multiple versions. Hiromichi Abe, who is a foreman in the factory said, "The 13B rotary engine actually has as many as 10 variations depending on the model and specifications of the vehicle installed. The finish of the parts used in each is different."

Abe went on, "The enormous type of parts can be ordered from all over the world. Depending on the part, it may take 1 to 2 months to complete all the processes inside and outside the company to complete the product. It may be necessary to combine multiple completed parts into a single unit."

When asked about whether this job is hard work, Sato quipped, "Everyone who entered Mazda in the same generation as me came here longing for a rotary engine. Although it is not installed in new cars now, I can understand the meaning of the aspiration that the rotary engine is aimed at.

"And I know that there are many customers all over the world who bought Mazda cars equipped with rotary engines, recognising that feeling. I want you to enjoy it," he added. Words of a man who clearly adores his job. 

Together with the FC and FD RX-7, the Mazda Heritage Parts Program (you can view available parts here) covers the NA-generation Mazda MX-5 as well. Long may this continue!