Liberty Walk's Mazda RX-7 FD: Headlining Star for Classic Japfest 2024

For UK JDM enthusiasts and car show aficionados, Classic Japfest at the Goodwood Motor Circuit on October 4–5, 2024 is set to be an unmissable event. The headline attraction this year is Liberty Walk Europe’s legendary Mazda RX-7 FD, a vehicle that has become a star in its own right. Having toured across Europe and even been immortalised as a Mini GT model, this build offers a rare chance for fans to see one of Liberty Walk's most famous creations up close.

The Iconic Super Silhouette Transformation

Few cars embody Liberty Walk’s boundary-pushing aesthetic quite like this FD model. It features the full LB Super Silhouette conversion, a design that pays homage to Japan’s dramatic silhouette race cars from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The result is a jaw-dropping presence characterised by its boxy wheel arches, aggressive front splitters, and a towering rear wing that commands attention.

The build’s stunning appearance is the result of expert craftsmanship. The bodywork and paint were masterfully executed by ColourKraft, while the striking livery was designed by Blackfish Graphics and applied using Inozetek film by Identity Wraps. The chosen 'Petronas' green colour scheme was reportedly inspired by the car's squared-off nose, which project lead James Pearman noted shared a resemblance with the legendary Porsche 935. This iconic look has since become inseparable from the car's identity.

A Bold Mix of Wheels and Suspension

This RX-7 confidently blends styling cues from different eras, most evidently in its wheel choice. At the front, it sports Rotiform LAS-R wheels complete with Aerodiscs, creating a modern, prototype-racer vibe. The rear, however, anchors the car in classic JDM culture with a set of Work Meister S1 three-piece wheels, which were meticulously rebuilt by Rimscarnated. All four corners are wrapped in Toyo R888 tyres.

To ensure the car is as functional as it is striking, it rides on an AirREX air suspension system managed by Air Lift Performance 3P controls. This setup allows the car to be lowered for dramatic static displays and raised for practical road travel between events. An Ultra Racing chassis brace has also been fitted to provide additional structural rigidity when the car is on the move.

The Controversial Yet Practical SR20DET Engine Swap

One of the most talked-about aspects of this build is found under the vented bonnet. In place of the Mazda’s traditional rotary engine sits a Nissan SR20DET powerplant. While this decision often sparks debate among purists, it was made for reasons of pure practicality. Rotary engines thrive on regular use, whereas a show car like this spends significant time idling on display and needs to fire up reliably after long periods of transit.

This is no basic engine swap. The SR20 has been fully refreshed and enhanced with a Pulsar Turbo upgrade, a larger intercooler, and supported by Turbosmart components including a blow-off valve and electronic boost controller. The engine management is handled by ECU Master, and the fuel system features an ATL fuel cell and an Odyssey race battery. With full vehicle wiring by Motor City Performance, the result is a reliable, tunable package producing a robust 450–460bhp. As James Pearman confirms, "It’s a nice, safe setup, powerful, reliable, and it still sounds incredible."

A True Show-Stopping Traveller

This Liberty Walk RX-7 is far from a static museum piece. Over the past two years, it has travelled extensively across Europe, from Rotterdam to Portugal, serving as a headline act at numerous events. Its fame has extended beyond the car show circuit, being reproduced as a Mini GT model and featured on official Liberty Walk Japan merchandise. Its combination of radical styling and controversial engine swap ensures it generates conversation and photography wherever it goes.

Technical Specification Overview

Base Car: Mazda RX-7 FD (1992)
Styling: Liberty Walk LB Super Silhouette kit; 'Petronas' green paint by ColourKraft; Livery by Blackfish Graphics; Wrap by Identity Wraps using Inozetek film
Engine: Nissan SR20DET swap; Pulsar Turbo upgrade; Approx. 450-460bhp
Chassis: AirREX air suspension with Air Lift Performance 3P management; Ultra Racing chassis brace
Wheels & Tyres: Rotiform LAS-R with Aerodiscs (front); Work Meister S1 (rear); Toyo R888 tyres
Interior: Tillett B10 carbon seats; Liberty Walk steering wheel; JP Cages rear roll cage

For anyone passionate about Japanese car culture, Classic Japfest at Goodwood presents a prime opportunity to experience this remarkable build firsthand. It represents a perfect blend of iconic styling, engineering pragmatism, and sheer spectacle.