Vehicle Description
Blending revolutionary technology and attractive styling, this 1988
Mazda RX-7 will be a great acquisition for the sports car
enthusiast on the hunt for something unique. It's more than a mere
conversation piece, though. Coming complete with a clean history
and extensive maintenance records, it's an agile performer that's
in good shape and ready to provide its new owner with miles and
miles of driving enjoyment.
The RX-7 had already been out for about 8 years by the time this
car saw the light of day and during that time it blossomed,
stylistically speaking - transforming from somewhat of a visual
novelty to an unquestionably refined-looking sports car. The
designers at Mazda realized that the United States market would be
key to their success and set about determining just what styling
cues appealed to American buyers, drawing inspiration from several
popular models, most notably the Porsche 944. While it may have
been an approach much more pragmatic than artistic, it was
especially effective. This particular RX-7 represents the model
well, sporting its original black exterior that's clearly been
garage kept it's whole life, so remains very nice. Being the
beneficiary of good care and a clean history with the documentation
to prove it yields definite dividends - despite its nearly 30 years
of service, this remains a very well-aligned, vibrant looking car
with clean glass, pop-up headlights that sit all the way down when
not in use, and the prominent protective molding running its entire
circumference still impressively level. Low slung and angular, it
gives off a decidedly road-ready vibe.
You'll find a well-appointed interior waiting inside. The gray
high-backed bucket seats, with their integrated head rests, are
nicely bolstered to provide support for more spirited driving and
straddle a center console that's in surprisingly good shape. Up
front in the dash area, the red-tinted gauges in the instrument
cluster remain easily readable, while just to their right, the
controls positioned at the center of the dash look surprisingly
modern, given this Mazda's venerable age. The air conditioning has
been upgraded to R134a, so is in good form, blowing both cold and
strong. The sunroof, a welcome feature, is also in good working
order, opening and closing without issue and sealing properly to
keep the elements out. Open the hatch in back and you'll be
surprised at how much space sits before you - plenty of room for
luggage for two to be stowed comfortably and lined with an expanse
of stain-free gray carpeting. The spare tire and tools are also in
their proper place behind the tail panel.
At the time this car rolled off the line, Mazda was synonymous with
rotary engine technology that allowed substantially more power to
be extracted from modest displacement than with more traditional
engines. Not only does the compact 1.3 liter engine (about the same
displacement as a '70s era VW Beetle) put out just under 150
horsepower, but its size allows it to be positioned relatively far
back towards the windshield in the engine bay, affording the RX-7
outstanding weight distribution. Combine that nearly mid-engine
configuration with very precise power rack and pinion steering and
an independent rear suspension, both unavailable in previous
generations of the model, and you have a car that's a lot of fun to
put through its paces on winding roads. It's also worth noting that
this car is equipped with a Limited Slip Differential, which is
quite rare on a non-turbo. The power disc brakes at all four
corners bring it to a stop in short order as well. This inspired
blend of style and technology sits on a set of stock 15" rims,
outfitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires.
Looking for a unique sports car that's off the beaten path and
ready to provide some driving excitement? You need to check out
this 1988 Mazda RX-7. Call today!