1983 Mazda RX-7 Group C

Built by Barry Jones, Chris Dowd, Tony Mulvihill and John Murden in late 1983, from one of the Mazda Factory Race (MFR) bodyshell’s Mazda Australia imported. The livery was inspired by Racing Beat of California, where Tony Mulvihill bought most of his go-fast bits from, including the LHD conversion that he bought back in his luggage from the USA. The weights of the various items imported, can still be seen under the dash, written in Nikko pen.

The Mulvihill Tokico RX7 was one of the last Group C cars built, so a lot of the lessons already learnt by Barry Jones and co went into the build. Things like the roll-cage style was very advanced for 1983. Every other unique Group C / MFR component was the best you could buy at the time.

The car debut at the Oran Park 300 in 1983 and it raced every round of the enduro’s, a couple of ATCC rounds in 1984 and then all the 1984 enduro’s, finishing 8th overall. The car raced in Sports Sedans with the Schwenke family, through the late 80’s and early 90’s, before being bought Bill Nabham, Charles Ryman and finally by the Bowden family in 1996.

Starting its Group C historic racing debut in 2003, the car has raced all over Australia, winning the Group C Championship in 2015, being one of many highlights. Still raced to this day, in its “Spirit of Bathurst” 1984 livery, the Tokico RX7’s fast and friendly handling and unique 13B brap, make it a favourite.


Engine: Matt Russell / Matt Clift 13B PP.
Power: 330 RWHP (242KW) @8500 RPM.
Transmission: Mazda Factory Race close ratio 5 speed.
Top Speed: 275 KMH
Production: Estimated 50 SA22C Mazda Factory Race (MFR) bodyshells.