1983 MazdaRX-7

Description

**Please contact us for a link to our complete photo set and all included documentation. **As the Japanese sports car market begins to come into its own, there are a few select models enthusiasts, collectors, and dealers are all keeping an eye on. One of those cars is the Mazda RX-7. The third generation (FD) examples will likely be the first to experience any significant change in value as they are the most refined and cosmetically pleasing. However, let us not forget about the older... brother and original RX-7.Introduced to the market in 1978, the RX-7 quickly set itself apart with its core differentiator being a 1.1L, rotary engine which was mounted completely behind the front axle, making it front mid-engine platform. The RX-7 embodied the minimalist’s approach, engineering the car to be concise, light, and focused. In 1980, the series 2 came about which featured an updated but very similar exterior to appease new regulations at the time which inadvertently shedded 135lbs of weight. A new engine management system and redesigned dash were also integrated. Three years later, Mazda released a “Limited Edition” variant that was finished in a Chateau Silver exterior with red pinstripes down the body and painted 14” snowflake style wheels which brings us to the example on offer.Available for purchase is a 1983 Mazda RX7 “Limited Edition”, chassis number JM1FB3310D073114, having traveled approximately 79,000 miles from new, coming out of limited ownership. Purchased new in Houston, Texas by a Mr. Steven Sehnert, this RX-7 has been lightly used and spared from any modifications, also sporting its original finishes. The second and current caretaker took ownership of this example in 2014, housing it with the rest of his collection in Pennsylvania. The clean Carfax documents consistent mileage, no accident history, and no discrepancies whatsoever. It is currently on offer out of the LBI Stable, Philadelphia.Inspecting the original paint, it presents fabulously especially considering its age and miles the car has traveled. The paint’s finish on each panel is excellent with little variance from panel to panel. After carefully assessing the paint, it has been determined that it is original paint with meter readings between 3.4mil and 5.6mil, consistent with factory paint. The panel fitment is right on par, having no inconsistencies. Located on the front bumper are two areas where several paint chips have been touched up. The lower portion of the front bumper, below the rubber guard, has some mild discoloration. Going over the rest of the car, one may find a small chip, a light scratch, and very minor marks of use here and there.The glass shows original to this example and in presentable condition. The headlight and tail light lenses are intact, unharmed, and show well. The rubber items have fared well, showing no significant dry rot, damage, or cracking. Looking over the wheels, they display no curb rash or deep scratches. Their finish is not as fresh as it once was but still very presentable, mounted on a set of new tires.Entering the cabin this RX-7, it is evident that these cars were designed to have the essentials and nothing more. The door jams are neat, their factory stickers preserved, and free of any significant faults. The red cloth seats have been well-kept and in surprisingly good condition. The backs of the seats are trimmed in leather which has developed some mild cracking in the finish on the driver’s seat, serving as a mark of patina more suitably than a blemish. On the upper portion of the driver’s seat, near the left bolster seam, the cloth appears to have dried out and is beginning to erode. It does not require any immediate attention but worth noting.The center console houses all of its original componentry, including the factory head unit, with all electronics fully functional. The soft touch dash poses no inconsistencies, absent of any cracking or serious fading in the finish. The gauge cluster has also been left in its original state, all the gauges reading accurately and in good working order. Either of the door panels, although having incurred no damage from use, do display significant variance in finish. This may be due to the natural aging process or it could be possible a portion of the leather trim was re-died. One would have to defer to an RX-7 specialist to gain more insight. The remainder of the interior presents no issues, the original steering wheel present, headliner intact with no notable sag, and rugs showing well.Pull open the rear glass deck lid and the trunk area is immaculate. The red liner is unmolested, maintaining a healthy finish. Lift up the cover to the spare wheel compartment and one will find that the original spare wheel is present along with the jack. Remove the spare wheel and one will discover additional factory stickers, still present. Now relocating to the engine bay, there are no items that would pose concern or evidence of need for repair. The area is very tidy and well sorted, clearly an example that always saw regular servicing. A close look will yield some factory markings and a lack of modifications, as this example has remained in its original specifications. Factory data tags, stickers, and stampings can be found throughout the engine compartment, untouched. The undercarriage presents in tandem with the condition of the rest of the car. There is no rust, the frame shows straight, the suspension components are in order, and there is no evidence of damage present.From a mechanical standpoint, this RX-7 is nothing short of a turn-key car that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. In 2015, this example benefited from a comprehensive servicing by the marque specialist at Automotive Electrical Service of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The following items were replaced:· Clutch assembly· Front & rear shock absorbers· Starter motor· Fuel filter· Fuel hose· Idler arm bushing· Exhaust hanger· Sumitomo tires (4)These repairs totaled over $2,700 in receipts and have ensured this example to be in perfect operating condition. Pull the choke, turn the ignition, and the 1.1L rotary power plant will fire without hassle and settle to a smooth idle once warm. The engine performs flawlessly, making this RX-7 surprisingly quick but still very much a momentum car. The unassisted steering provides a satisfyingly direct connection to the front wheels, having no excess play. The brakes are in good working order, with no pulling or fade noted. The manual 5-speed gearbox operates without issue, going in and out of gear with ease and the new clutch functioning as it should. There are absolutely no abnormalities to make mention of, as this RX-7 is mechanically sound.The Mazda RX-7 is truly a unique automobile that has made a name for itself as one of the car world’s most satisfying driver’s cars. This first generation, series 2, “Limited Edition”, example is a very original and factory correct RX-7 that is an excellent candidate to induct into ownership. It is a respectable, original, driver quality example that has been mechanically gone through in full and ready to be toured, showed, and driven. Being 1 of just 5,000 “Limited Edition” units built, there also lies notable market potential as the Japanese sports car market comes into fruition. Offered with the sale is the owner’s manual, spare wheel, jack, Carfax, service records, and original title.