For Sale: 1988 Mazda RX-7 in Christiansburg, Virginia

The 1988 Mazda RX-7 Convertible marked a significant milestone for Mazda, introduced as the first-ever factory convertible lineup. Falling under the "Series 4" designation of the second-generation (FC) chassis, this open-top sports car combined Mazda's unique rotary engine heritage with an innovative, highly engineered top design meant to deliver a refined open-air driving experience.Key Specifications & Performance- Engine: Naturally aspirated 1.3L 13B twin-rotor rotary engine. (Unlike the coupe, the North American convertible was never offered with a factory turbocharger).- Output: 146 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.- Transmission: Standard 5-speed manual overdrive or optional 4-speed automatic.- Performance Metrics: 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds with s quarter-mile time of 17 seconds.- Handling & Braking: Equipped with robust four-wheel disc brakes and a highly communicative steering layout. Because the convertible chassis required extra structural bracing, it weighed nearly 400 lbs more than the standard coupe, tilting its character toward a smooth, engaging grand tourer rather than a sharp track car.One of the defining features of the FC Convertible was its sophisticated multi-mode top, which offered three distinct configurations:- Full Coupe Mode: Rigid panels built into the fabric roof kept the cabin exceptionally well-insulated and quiet when closed.- Targa Mode: The center section over the passengers featured a rigid panel that could be removed independently, leaving the rear section and b pillar intact.- Full Convertible Mode: The entire top retracted electronically into the rear deck. Additionally, it featured a unique integrated wind deflector behind the seats to drastically minimize cabin turbulence.The 1988 convertible is increasingly sought after by collectors due to its relativity low production volume. Mazda imported 5,000 convertibles to the U.S. for the 1988 model year.