1983 Mazda RX-7

Against the conservative car industry background Mazda's decision to produce the RX-7 in 1978 was radical as well as successful with the imminent demise of open-top British models like the Triumph TR7 and MGB creeping ever closer.

On the race-track, the Mazda’s light weight and durability ensured excellent results at home and abroad with Allan Moffat, who abandoned his long-running Ford allegiance for an RX7 in memorable Stuyvesant cigarette livery winning his 4th Australian Touring Car title and a first in class at the 1982 Daytona 24 Hour sports car race.

Using a two-rotor version of Dr. Felix Wankel's rotary engine, the RX-7's 1.1-liter mill (designated 12A) produced 100hp and 105 lb-ft of torque and is famed for its incredible smoothness. So uniquely smooth that as it spun up, an electric buzzer was installed to warn drivers of blasting straight through the 7000-rpm redline.

The engine was also extremely light and compact, allowing it to be mounted behind the front axle, which contributed to the 50/50 weight distribution for superb handling and fast corners.

Mazda refreshed the RX-7 in 1981 to create the FB or series 2. The bumpers were better integrated, rear end restyled, new front spoiler added for reduced lift, interior subtly refreshed, four spoke alloy wheels introduced, the original four-speed manual is dropped for a five-speed and disc brakes were offered at all four corners.

Car & Driver magazine said “Every once in a while, a car comes along that seems too good to be true. The original 240Z was one… and now we have the Mazda RX-7. The car cannot lose. It has power, smoothness, comfort, reasonable looks and a generally sophisticated demeanor, all for about $7000.”

Offered here is an original Australian delivered 1983 Mazda RX-7 with an original 124,200 kilometres and in exceptionally well-preserved condition.

Just released form long-term ownership as part of a world-class collection, these are the cars we love to find. Sold new by Mazda Melbourne in July of 1983 this car is accompanied by its original set of log books with great service history.

In excellent running order, this car was subject to a major service in August of this year with works including a new drive belt, spark plugs, all fluids and filters, new clutch slave cylinder and battery.

Inside and out, all tell-tale signs point to how well this car has been kept from the original badging, original interior and exterior protection decals, Mazda glass throughout, the original and working Quartz clock and near new bucket seats with red pin striping.

Fantastic to drive, this is a modern classic that feels at home enough in modern traffic conditions as it does on twisted weekend roads and has bags of mid-to-late 20th century character. The throttle response is quick, the steering provides lots of feedback and gear changes are so crisp.

Bang for buck and with interest and values poised to sky-rocket as collectable Japanese cars begin to enter a golden period of enjoyment, this Australian delivered and incredibly original Series 2 RX-7 is well positioned as an investment you can seriously enjoy.