50K BELIEVED MILES, 1-OWNER CAR, WELL-CARED FOR, ALL-STOCK, 12A WANKEL, 5-SPEED!

Description

In a hobby driven by nostalgia, is it surprising that Japanese sports cars like this 1-owner 1985 Mazda RX7 are growing in popularity? With a generation of kids growing up with these cars as their poster-children, it shouldn't be any surprise that clean, well-maintained examples are commanding top dollar. This RX7 is one of those cars that was treated as something special from the day it came home from the dealer. In the '80s, many folks regarded it as an affordable Porsche 944, but that really sells the RX7 short, because it's really an interesting car in its own right. Sure, the shape is standard sports car of the period, with a long nose, folding headlights, and a hatchback profile, but few could argue that the RX7 wasn't attractive. It's wearing what appears to be original paint, which should tell you all you need to know about how well it has been maintained for the past 30 years. Details like the chin spoiler, side skirts, and subtle rear wing were characteristic of Mazda's low-key approach, and the steely blue paint gives it a sophisticated look. Yes, there are a few signs of age, but there's little doubt that someone spent a lot of Saturdays waxing the finish on this Mazda.Mazda got the interior of the RX7 exactly right, with supportive bucket seats that offered grippy cloth surfaces that were easy to maintain. It's in decent shape and the seats are still quite supportive, although the driver's chair shows some wear in the usual spots. Big analog gauges are framed by a handsome 3-spoke steering wheel that isn't marred by a giant airbag in its hub and all the secondary controls are at your fingertips, arrayed around the instrument cluster. As Mazda's top-of-the-line halo vehicle, the RX7 came with just about everything as standard equipment, including A/C, which is rather effective for a Japanese car of the period. There's also a decent-sounding AM/FM/cassette stereo system and a stubby shifter for the 5-speed, which has direct, precise throws that are reminiscent of the Miata that would follow a few years later. This is definitely a 2-seater, but the cargo area under the rear hatch is expansive, making this a fantastic grand touring machine.The 12A Wankel Rotary engine is the size and shape of a beer keg, but spins like a race motor. This is an early carbureted version, which many enthusiasts prefer, and thanks to a recent tune-up it remains buttery-smooth and surprisingly eager at virtually any speed. It's happiest buzzing along at 8000 RPM where it's eerily vibration-free and it has that traditional rotary sound that's not like anything else you've ever heard. The engine bay is tidy and well-maintained without any signs of modifications or performance "upgrades" that could compromise reliability. The 5-speed manual transmission shifts easily and clutch action is light because the Wankel's torque curve doesn't demand heavy-duty equipment. An all-independent suspension is supple yet agile and 4-wheel disc brakes were part of the package. Handsome 13-inch alloy wheels show none of the usual scuffs or corrosion and they carry 185/70/13 Uniroyal radials that have a lot of life left in them.An unusual sports car that deserves its place in history, this neat RX7 is ready for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy it. Meticulously cared for by 1 owner it's entire life, this one is very special. Call today!