Sometimes a car’s story is just as compelling as its engineering—and this 1982 Mazda RX-7 offers both. Purchased new by the seller’s mother-in-law, this first-generation RX-7 has spent its entire life in California, where it remained lovingly cared for until being parked in 2013. With just 100,453 miles on the odometer, it’s now being offered as part of an estate sale on eBay, where it’s located in the Ventura area.
The car has been garage-kept and off the road since the original owner, who drove it well into her 80s, could no longer drive. Since then, it’s remained covered and preserved, and the seller notes that it rolls freely, the clutch and brake pedals still have pressure, and the 5-speed gearbox moves smoothly through all gears. However, it has not been started, and the seller has opted to leave that process to someone with experience working on rotary engines. For fans of Wankel-powered cars, that’s a project worth getting excited about.
Cosmetically, the RX-7 still presents well in its original brown finish, though the seller notes a few scratches, small dents, and a minor crack in the windshield. These imperfections are minor considering the car’s age and originality. Perhaps more importantly, the car is completely rust-free and structurally solid thanks to its lifetime in California and consistent indoor storage. The body retains its factory trim and lines, and the tires still hold air.
Inside, the cabin is said to be in excellent condition, a rare quality for a car that’s been sitting for over a decade. Equipped with air conditioning and a sunroof, this RX-7 was nicely optioned from new and remains highly original. The clean title and long-term single ownership add to its appeal, and a proper recommissioning could bring it back to life without losing any of its charm.
Whether restored to show-car status or simply revived as a nostalgic weekend cruiser, this early RX-7 stands as a great starting point. Would you bring this first-gen rotary back to the road, or preserve it just as it is?
Always wanted some seat 💺 time behind a rotary Mazda.
You’d love it. 50/50 weight distribution. Seamless power delivery. Doesn’t run out of breath in the high RPM range, can go long on shifts if that is what is needed. I joke that I keep my FB because my wife won’t let me have a motorcycle anymore.
Elizabeth, is it just me, but the ebay is not a link for me,just written as text.
Sold for $4,500 on 8/1/2025.
Steve R
Which was a steal.
If you’re thinking about a first gen RX-7 the only one to consider is the 84 and 85 GSL-SE. It had the bigger 13B engine, a different and stronger transmission, bigger brakes 14 inch wheels stronger suspension, a bigger radiator, and fuel injection and a limited slip diff. While most of the body was the same (it had different pick up points for the rear suspension) it was really a very different car than the 12A powered cars. I had an 81 12A car and in 84 got an SE when I was autocrossing back in the day and that was by far the best of the first gen cars.
I agree that the 84-85s were, other than the first gen 79s, are preferred years. My 84 GSL with the 12A engine (leather interior, moon & hard roof) is nothing to sneeze at. I made some significant mods to the Nikki 4 barrel that really improved the punch of the engine (pump piston mods, hard-wired secondaries rather than vacuum, eliminated the flapper valve, etc.). It winds out a lot better than the stock version. There’s also street-porting and bridge porting that can be done to pump up the horses, but I’m not in need of that much.
I also had a 79 that I bought from a work colleague and found it to be much more primitive than my GSL. However, the first gen can bring more money as a first.
I had an 84 SE, traded it for an 86 IROC & I was sorry I did it after the fact, oh well.
Once again, BarnFinds shows a vehicle that recalls fond memories! I rescued this ’89 RX-7 Convertible from a stalled project. With 142k miles on the clock, the 13B engine needed resealing which was done without issue. A fresh coat of paint, minor detailing on the interior including refreshing the seat bolsters, and I had a real fun toy! I was amazed with the exceptionally smooth ride, smooth shifting automatic, and no rattles or creaks.
I had a blue on blue ’83 GS when I was 20, and I thought I was pretty cool. One evening, I misjudged the turn onto a freeway onramp and whacked it into an island hard (ahh, skinny 13″ tires…). No body damage, but it made BAD noises when I limped it home; apparently I had bent a bunch of stuff including the frame.
My folks were not pleased. Then, the weirdest thing happened – about a week and half later, it was stolen from in front of our house. As I was an irresponsible kid :P, my dad actually thought I “lost it” someplace – I had to convince him it was stolen… which was actually the best possible outcome. I got about what I paid for it from the insurance, borrowed some money from a family member and got a super low mileage ’88 Honda CRX that I owned for ages.
Kudos to the original owner who “drove the car into her 80’s”
Wow, 80 and still able to drive a stick, let alone just be able to drive!
Hey, that’s my cars twin. Well if you check the color code I bet it is “M5-Maya-Gold-Metallic” not light brown. Mine is also an ’82, same interior, same color, 5 speed. Only mine has “giant” 14″ Enkei Apache wheels on it. $4,500 is a steal for this car. Make sure the coils and igniters are good, verify the oil metering, and if your still paranoid add 5 oz of 2 stroke oil for every 10 gallons of gas you add to it. (read Eric’s comments as well) Unlike this car mine spent it’s life in upstate NY and in KY which wasn’t as gentle as this CA cars life. As commented above, yes the 84-85 GSL-SE is the most desirable, but there is nothing wrong with any year FB especially if you perform some minor upgrades. The 12A is a very reliable engine.
For what it’s worth, Ventura is just 100 miles from Racing Beat and/or Mazdatrix. The exhaust tips (muffler unit) appears to be the larger than stock Racing Beat version. You’d have to go to make a trip to New Zealand to find better support than these two companies.