Mazda RX-7: Spotted
The great Mazda that isn't an MX-5 or RX-8, now available for very little money
M5 is the seller's too; a PHer of fine taste!
I've used 'cosmetically unmodified' as there are a couple of tiny tweaks under the bonnet. When the engine was rebuilt 11,000 miles ago (right when RX-7 engines tend to detonate, at 60,000 miles), the owner fitted an Apexi induction kit and Racing Beat exhaust. Sure, it would be good to have car free from any non-OEM additions, but they aren't fundamental modifications and should be reversible too.
The rest of K69 PLE really is standard though, and all the better for it. A recent respray in Mazda Vintage Red means the paintwork is gleaming, and the wheels were refurbed at the same time also. The interior is as relentlessly black as it was in 1992, the lights (should) pop up rather than glare through fibreglass and the plain, quite basic dials haven't been substituted for a garish digital set up.
Inteior best described as 'functional'
The RX-7 used sequential turbos, with one boosting from 1,800rpm to about 4,500rpm, the larger turbo taking over from there to 8,000rpm. Who said turbos won't rev? With 240hp from the 1,308cc rotary, Mazda claimed a sub-six second sprint to 60mph and a 155mph top speed.
Design still looks fresh two decades on
It may be a bold claim, but the RX-7 probably remains Mazda's peak when it comes to driver's cars. It isn't quite as accessible as an MX-5, but it seems churlish to level such a complaint at a £6,995 RX-7.
MAZDA RX-7
Engine: 1,308cc twin-rotor, twin-turbo
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Power (hp): 240@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 218@5,000rpm
MPG: Not many...
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1992
Recorded mileage: 71,549
Price new: c. £35,000
Yours for: £6,995
See the original advert here
Always loved these but the inevitable engine rebuilds and terrifying fuel consumption steered me away and onto MR2 Turbos instead, which may not have handled as well, but were just as fun and far less likely to implode.
Always fancied a cherished RX7 as a second car though. Maybe one day...
Blasphemy!
When you drive a car with pop up head lights, you win at life. This is a well proven fact.
One thing I would mention though is that I would hold the imports in much higher regard than the UK's, now that the cars are getting on a bit, I wouldn't want a car that's been exposed to road salt for the past 20 years when ones are available that haven't.
Plus, the nicer editions and facelifts are import only(Type R, RB, RS, etc).
after all these years I still adore these FD's .
To find an original 92/93 FD is a rare feat these days , almost all have been d1cked with .
I've found an absolute stock '92 for sale in red & to see it in its stock form - its just lovely . even makes me want it more than my old Spirit-R I had years ago - pic attached .
The Mazda Museum in Hiroshima has a 92 in red . no Spirit-R . The original car will be worth tucking away in years to come .
One of those in black with wheels that fill the arches a bit more might sway my opinion though!
I get 18-20mpg, £250 service/year and no reliability problems.
Dyno'd at 310bhp last year (post-99 models have better turbos) and weighed in at 1250kg.
A similar one went for just £8k a few months ago.
Nice Spirit R video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQvwlsSvOWY&fea...
Zenith = highest point
Nadir = lowest point
I think you're trying to say that the RX-7 is Mazda's best drivers' car, but you've rather confusingly told us that it's the worst!
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