Vehicle Description
Still a great way to have affordable sports car fun, this 1983
Mazda RX-7 delivers the kind of all-around performance that made
these cars famous. Not necessarily about pure power, it's a total
experience, where the car is so balanced and eager to run that you
can use all its performance without endangering the countryside.
Isn't that what sports cars are really about?
This is a remarkable two owner car, with the first owner keeping it
until 2003 and the second owner continuing to cherish it for
another 15 years. It was repainted shortly after ending up in the
second owner's hands, but he kept the original icy blue color that
looks so good on these cars. The styling has aged quite well and
it's hard to believe that the design is nearly 40 years old at this
point; pretty remarkable, isn't it? It has never been rusty or
wrecked, and while there are some signs of use, that only means
that it's been properly exercised and vetted throughout its life,
because the worst thing you can do to a rotary engine is park it.
Out back it has rear window slats that help control temperatures
inside and give it a period cool look, and there's nothing on an
RX-7 that seems unnecessary, as if this were a sports car pared
down to its bare essence. You'll feel it when you get in.
The tan leather interior obviously tends towards the luxurious
side, but it really is beautifully preserved for its age. The seats
are comfortable and supportive for spirited driving and all the
controls are right where you want them. Original carpets include
heel and toe pads to keep everything looking neat and there are a
pair of neat storage compartments behind the seats. Mazda gave you
a full set of big analog gauges and yes, you're seeing that right,
it's a 7000 RPM redline on the engine, because the rotary loves to
rev. A newer AM/FM/CD stereo with graphic equalizer is neatly
installed in the original dash and this car is loaded with options,
including ice cold A/C, power windows, automatic transmission, and,
yes, a vintage car phone (it doesn't work, but it might be cool if
it did!). The sunroof offers both a glass and a body-colored
insert, either of which can be stored in the trunk area, which also
includes a vinyl cover to keep prying eyes away from your
stuff.
Mazda seemed to perfect the rotary engine, and yes, it's in there
even though it's not very visible. The beer keg-sized Wankel motor
spins with buttery smoothness to redline and while it's not big on
torque, you'll find that keeping it on boil means that it's punchy
and fun to drive. Aside from a K&N air filter, this one is
completely stock and beautifully maintained, including a new
battery and alternator, fresh brake booster, and an A/C upgrade to
R134a refrigerant. It starts easily with a surprisingly strong
tenor warble from the fresh exhaust system which includes a new
catalytic converter. It's extremely clean underneath and it's neat
to see a live rear axle with trailing arms out back. There's also a
disc brake at each corner and it has just been fitted with new
wheels and 185/70/13 performance radials.
This is a bargain-priced sports car that has a lot of life left in
it. Call today!
