1992 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● Open-top rotary-engined sports car

● Lovely condition, with a few opportunities for improvement

● Partially restored and mechanically rebuilt by previous owner, with thousands spent recently

● Huge file containing detailed records of the car’s history over the last 30 years

● A rare and still genuinely quick car

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Mazda’s long history with rotary engines has produced some truly memorable cars and the second generation RX-7, known as the FC, is no exception, though it is often overlooked for its more well known predecessor and successor.

It was manufactured from 1985 to 1992 and the convertible variant was introduced in 1988. This example hails from the tail end of FC production and has the raciest motor installed in this variant: a 1.3 litre twin-rotor “Wankel” engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger that boosts the power output to 200hp.

While that might not sound a great deal when compared to modern cars, factor in that it weighs less than 1200kg and you can understand how it got to 60mph in 5 seconds dead. As well as a neatly-engineered soft top, the FC convertible features pop up headlights which may date it more than the power output but are at least as cool as its acceleration figures.

This example has seen a huge amount of love and attention over its life which is all richly described in a large folder of invoices, hand-written notes and MOT certificates. The last owner had it for over 20 years and the records show huge expenditure over this period including a partial restoration of the bodywork, a new hood and a reconditioned engine from a renowned specialist.

Today it’s in great shape and, although there are a few minor cosmetic improvements that could still be made, in general it’s a huge credit to its previous owners. So, if you’re looking for a slice of Japanese wind-in-the-hair retro-cool that can still keep up, then look no further.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● Registered new 15 May 1992

● With the previous owner for over 20 years

● During that time, he spent a small fortune on the car with major work including a partial body restoration and the installation of a reconditioned performance engine from renowned specialists Hurley Rotary

● To describe the records as ‘comprehensive’ would be to do them a disservice; as well as the original manuals in their leather wallet, with the service book stamped until there was no more space, the car is accompanied by a large folder containing a full log of the car’s history, all associated invoices and every single MOT certificate back to the first test in 1995

● Significant invoices include over £8,000 for bodywork repairs, an invoice for the engine rebuild and an invoice dated 2022 for the refurbishment of the alloy wheels

● The original sales brochure is also included

● The current MOT is valid until 29 May 2024

● V5 present in the owner’s name

● HPI clear

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● With orange on black dials, a steering wheel whose timeless design is unencumbered by the bulk of an airbag and unconventional switchgear, a glance in the charming cabin will quickly verify the decade in which it was designed

● The black leather upholstery is in great shape, with only minor wear to the outer bolster on the driver’s seat

● Likewise, the carpets and door cards are in good condition

● Refinements include cruise control and an aftermarket Sony XPLOD stereo

● The boot looks clean and tidy and contains the original tools and spare wheel

● In all, it looks to be very well preserved

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● Presented in the original colour of Blaze Red and with a renewed hood and refurbished alloys, the car is a real head-turner, and not just for Japanese car nerds

● The restoration work appears to have been carried out to a high standard but there remain some minor dents to the passenger door, nearside front wing and off-side rear sill end

● The nearside front wheel arch also shows some wear to the paint but overall the paint finish is generally very good

● The hood is reportedly in perfect working order and has the original tonneau cover which is missing a couple of press studs but is still perfectly usable

● The all-important party piece is the pop up headlights which operate seamlessly

● Overall, although there are a few areas that could be improved, it’s a great looking car

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● 1,308cc twin rotary Wankel engine with twin-scroll turbocharger rated at 200hp mated to five-speed manual transmission

● The engine is a rebuilt Hurley Rotary unit which reportedly runs sweetly with no signs of oil burning and revs freely with minimal smoke

● With the level of maintenance that the car has received and the owner reporting no known mechanical issues, it should be ready to be enjoyed straight away

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

The second generation RX-7 convertible is a modern classic and a rare and capable sports car that comes with the inbuilt ingenuity of a rotary engine. This example has been rigorously maintained and, though there are a few cosmetic items that could be addressed, should be entertaining its next owner from day one.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the "Email Me" function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in London Colney, Hertfordshire.