If current bidding is any indication, there’s little doubt these days that the third-generation Mazda RX-7 has entered legitimate collector car status. The bids are over $45,000 at the moment with the reserve unmet, and I can’t say I blame the seller for holding out for a higher reserve. The third and final iteration of the RX-7 in the United States was a beautiful specimen with compelling performance and relatively few are left today in stock condition like this one. White on camel may not be the most desirable combination, but that’s not stopping bidders from going for the gold. Find it here on eBay and located in West Virginia.
The seller claims he is winding down his collection and that while he doesn’t want to sell the car, the time is apparently now. If you follow the third-generation RX-7 in any capacity, you’ll know how rarely they come up for sale with no guarantees it’s not a completely hammered example with bad modifications. The seller’s car is in blissfully stock condition with its original chrome wheels still attached, indicating that even the most typical alteration from stock condition hasn’t occurred on this car. The Tom Matano design is undoubtedly one of the prettiest cars Mazda has ever sold stateside, in my opinion.
The other potential disappointment with the third-generation RX-7 is the optional automatic transmission – you could request one of those if you wanted your RX-7 to be more of a grand tourer than hard-edged sports car. Thankfully, this one has three pedals which will surely make the most out of the twin-turbocharged, twin-rotor 13B engine. I had forgotten just how strong the performance was for this 13B-powered coupe, with 0-60 possible in under six seconds. For what it cost new, this was a relative bargain in the early 90s considering the stiff competition from the likes of Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.
Photos like these inspire a good amount of confidence in the seller’s description of this RX-7 being in “…excellent, all-original” condition. The plastics look clean, the gauges crystal clear, and the original switchgear and radio controls are all still in place. Mileage is said to be just 33K, so this is indeed a low-mileage specimen that is worthy of $50K or better. While a lot has been said about the economy lately, buyers who have the clout to go after top-shelf examples are still buying, albeit with less competition than before. I might hold out for a different color combo if I was in the market for an RX-7, but then again – I might be waiting a very long time for another one as nice as this.
Oh my goodness this is going to be expensive.
Other than genuine museum pieces like Bugattis why only get 1000 miles a year from your ownership? I never understand these low mileage everyday cars. Seller says reason for sale is to reduce the collection but will consider trades. Oh well good luck to the new owner but looks a bit plain compared to the series 8 models from the naughties.
“For what it cost new, this was a relative bargain in the early 90s considering the stiff competition from the likes of Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.”
And GM. LT1,LT4, and LT5-powered Corvettes.
The Chaste White cars are not seen as often as the typical red, black, silver, or even Montego Blue. I think the most rare was Competition Yellow Mica (my personal favorite) but I really like the white for it’s relative rarity. I could do without the the chrome wheels.
Rob Dahm, call your bank manager.
Who would spend this crazy money on a Mazda? American’s are crazy.
This is a very legitimate supercar, rather than a museum piece. These were VERY fast for their day and are still top tier, even today. I tried and tried to buy one of these when they were new. Every one that popped off the truck was sold before the tires hit the street. My last visit, I was advised that there were no more available to US dealers. This looks like a very nice example. I hope it gets snapped up by someone who will appreciate it – and drive it. This is the true grand touring car that Ferrari wishes it could have produced.
Tom Matano must have had a lot of 1993 Corvette drawings and models in his studio, The entire front-end is a smaller scale carbon-copy.
Did Matano have a time machine?
The FD series RX7 was released as a 1992 model.
Not many rotary mechanics still around so who works on it when something breaks? These were not exactly known for reliability/durability even when new due to the complex twin-turbo setup, yards of vacuum hoses and lots of underhood heat. Replacing the vacuum hoses with silicone ones and upgrading the cooling system can help and some owners went to a single turbo but they still seem problematic unless you have an experienced rotary mechanic nearby. For the money, just seems there are newer, better sports cars out there with similar performance that are a lot less hassle to own. I still like my first-gen Rx-7 (which can present its own hassles) but have never been tempted by these. Too expensive when new, expensive now and likely an expensive headache to maintain. Even the owner of the rotary shop I use didn’t recommend them. They do look good, though.
Made it to $52,100, Reserve Not Met.