Vehicle 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!
