Newly Imported Mazda RX7 Type R

Something very different and to my mind, just drop dead gorgeous, is this 1997 Mazda RX7, just imported by us from Japan. In fact this is the Type R version and even better news is that it has a 5 speed manual gearbox (rather than an automatic) and it has factory fitted twin oil coolers and four pot calipers.

Finished in Brilliant Black with dark grey/black trim including its unique alacantara sports seats, this also has power steering, air con, ABS, electric windows, electric mirrors and a Momo leather rimmed airbag steering wheel. Inside everything is clean and tidy with no damage to dashboard or door casings and it still has its original dealer fitted carpet mats. Everything works as it should - even the air conditioning works perfectly and is ice cold when required. Its fitted with its original Panasonic stereo system and this works well and sounds great. It also has an electric aerial.

We looked at few RX7s before finding one we were really happy with and this one ticks all the right boxes for us. Its covered around 150,000 kilometres and we are assured that the previous owner has recently spent a fortune on an engine rebuild (we are waiting for paperwork to confirm this) but in any case we will guarantee that the engine is strong and sound. Oil pressure good and it holds its temperature perfectly. Apart from the Mazdaspeed exhaust system (which is in excellent condition) and a pair of Apexi filters, this is in wonderfully original condition, no silly body kits or single turbo conversions.

As you can see, it has lovely MazdaSpeed gold split rim alloys and these are fitted with a matching set of Yokohamas (255/40/17 on the rear and 235/40/17 on the front - all in good condition with plenty of tread) Bodywork is excellent with no dents or scratches worth mentioning. Paintwork is equally good - it looks just superb when cleaned and polished: Unfortunately it had just rained when the photos were taken so it didn't look as clean as it should, but trust me, its in lovely condition. Obviously, as its spent its life in Japan, its utterly rust-free and beautifully clean underneath.

The boot area is nice and clean (though I can see a small split in the top of the rear seat). The boot carpet is clean and it still has its original jack, wheel brace and spare wheel. Its the same with the engine bay: its nice, straight and clean with no corroded nuts/bolts etc. All rubber hoses are in good order and with just a little effort the engine bay could look spectacularly good. At the moment, our priority is servicing the car properly and ensuring that it runs as well as possible. We'll be fitting new spark plugs (ridiculously expensive), new oil and filters and carrying out a compression test. The engine sounds as sweet as anything and there are no leaks, no odd stains and no strange noises.

Who Are We and Why Buy From Us?

We are (AK Automotive) and (Goodwood Sportscars) and in a joint venture between us, we are now importing a small number of wonderful rust-free cars direct from Japan. Each car is hand-picked by us and we tend to choose cars with a desirable specification and in as good a condition as possible. That said, both Anthony (AK Automotive) and myself (Steve) are genuine car enthusiasts at heart and we try and buy cars that very simply get us excited.

Between my team at Goodwood Sportscars and the chaps at AK Automotive, we have many years selling, repairing, modifying and racing MX5s. Anthony and Dan at AK Automotive are highly respected throughout the Mazda world and their 420+bhp turbo-charged MX5 Mk1 has to be seen to be believed. Their race-prepared Mazdas have successfully competed in various championships throughout the UK including the Ma5da MX5 series and the BRSCC Mazda MX5 championship. Its not just MX5s that we’re involved with. Recent visitors to the AK Automotive workshops include various Imprezas, TVRs, Skylines and there are always a number of Lotus in for service and repair. As for me, I’m a self-professed performance car nut and live, sleep and breath quick cars (much to my wife’s annoyance). I’ve been involved with cars sales for 30+ years and have sold literally thousands of performance cars. So between us the three of us, we’re pretty good at spotting a good car and at making one work to the best of its ability.

The car has just arrived and is currently being carefully checked over, serviced, UK registered and given a new MOT and 6 months road tax. It drives superbly with strong performance and wonderful handling. Price is £6495 and a deposit of £1,000 secures this car now.

More photos on my website.

UPDATE: Though this car has now been sold, we have another RX7 Type RB due in from Japan - contact me for details.