Can a car be “happy”? That’s the question for those of you who get a bit sentimental about these sorts of things. I have long believed a vehicle can exhibit signs of feeling like everything works well together. It’s not saying the vehicle is perfect, simply that it has a fluidity to it where no one system feels like it is in danger of failing. Coupled with that vehicle never being comprehensively restored leads to a feeling of it being “happy.” I’m not sure if that’s the same definition the seller of this 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL listed here on craigslist has, but I’m willing to bet it’s along those lines.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip. The seller notes that everything works as expected on this FB-chassis RX-7, which I suspect has much to do with his description of the car. Mileage-wise, it clocks in safely under 100,000, and with a beautiful leather interior, it appears to have been loved. The maroon interior is certainly period correct, along with the factory equalizer for the radio in the dash. The GSL trim was top of the line, coming equipped with leather seats, a limited-slip differential, power windows, and four-wheel disc brakes.
If you stepped up to the GSL-SE a few years later, you really found yourself quite a package as it got all of the upgraded trim bits along with a more powerful 13B engine featuring 135 b.h.p. This car has the smaller 12A rotary engine, which offered drivers respectable performance with 101 b.h.p. and 107 lb.-ft. of torque. Either way, the RX-7 found a niche as a reliable, sporty two-door with lively handling and an actual personality, with much of its charm attributed to that wild rotary powerplant under the hood.
The hatchback design is another RX-7 hallmark, offering practicality along with a sporting personality. As far as why these cars aren’t worth more, it likely has to do with the lack of rotary engine mechanics and the need for periodic engine rebuilds on even the most well-kept examples. I’m not suggesting this car needs such extensive maintenance, and for all I know, it’s an overhyped problem. This looks like a tidy example, and with a modified RX-7 in the background, I’m guessing the seller knows how to find a good one. It’s listed with an asking price of $9,000 in Molalla, Oregon.
“The GSL trim was top of the line, coming equipped with leather seats…”
Leather seats were optional on the GSL and GSL-SE, not standard, and the GSL-SE was the top of the line in ’84, not the GSL.
“If you stepped up to the GSL-SE a few years later…”
The GSL-SE was ’84-’85, not “a few years later.”
Looks like a nice example and the price is spot-on Hagerty No. 3 (good condition). From the days when 100 hp was considered enough for a sports car. 0-60 times were around 9 secs, which was decent in those days. Bought one new in ’82 and it seemed quite peppy at the time. Put 140k miles on it in 13 years and it never needed an engine rebuild, just a carburetor rebuild.
Vance, you’re nit pickin’
Point well taken, but I like to think (perhaps mistakenly) that I’m just offering some additional information in the interest of accuracy. Decades as a newspaper copy editor, kind of a professional nit picker, will do that to you.
I don’t think your comments were made with malice, like so many other commenters here like to do.
I guess my comment sounds malicious, doesn’t it?
Actually, on a site like this, I think “nit pickin’ ” is a good thing…
Actually Vance is spot on accurate. Kudos to Vance for an accurate posting. Had he not typed it, my posting would have been nearly identical. I will add a few things. The 12A is probably the most reliable rotary engine. Comparing horsepower numbers are deceiving when comparing types of engines. The smooth power delivery from a rotary pair with a 5 speed manual is unmatched by a piston engine of similar power. I have a 1982 RX with the 12A, 130k miles on the odometer, never rebuilt, good compression numbers, sees 8k rpm at shift on a regular basis.
I really like these. I used to work at a Mazda/Toyota/BMW store and whenever I had the chance I would drive one of these. But, they were so popular, that hey were rarely on the lot for more than a day or two. These are a joy to drive and I did get the chance to drive a factory car and spent the day driving rally roads around Carson City playing Rod Millen. When Mazda got the car back, there were no lower heat shields left on the car. I warned the Mazda employee ahead of time an he stated that it was no problem. So I “went at it!” We also ran the road used by the Ferrari hill climb at speed up to Virginia City, and luckily there was no traffic, so racing lines around most of the corners were used. I would love to own one of these and have always been on the watch in my area for a good deal.
I bought a new one in Austin, TX, the only dealer in Texas who seemed not to add to the MRSP, Flew down and picked it up, and drove it back to Arlington, I I kept the GSL for 5 years and then my father-in-law really liked it and bought it. He had for 10 years. No issues, I don’t even think I needed a carb rebuild, as Vance did. It was a great package, and as long as you did the preventive maintenance, it did last. Good luck, good value but please have it checked out.
I’ve owned eight antique cars since 1982, currently have two. Of the eight, three were “happy” cars. I was also a naval aviator and qualified as a functional check pilot, test flying and signing off aircraft that had major maintenance.
I believe it’s all about balance- individual mechanical devices that have lower vibration than others of the same type are more reliable and less prone to odd problems. There was one helicopter in my squadron (out of 10) that was always broken. I could feel vibration through the soles of my feet through the rudder pedals, nothing ridiculous, but it was there. It’s currently on the bottom of the Indian Ocean after suffering yet another failure (thankfully the crew got out safely).On the other hand, I had a 1957 Chevrolet 210 – just an average car that lived a utilitarian life, but whose engine was so smooth that it would barely ripple the coffee in a cup placed on the oil bath air filter. I sold it decades ago, it’s still running.
I think the 12A rotary had a carb,the 13B had fuel injection.
Live axle out back,but still handled well.
Yes, the GSL-SE available in ’84 and 85 had the 13B with FI… with a 30+% increase in hp over the carbureted 12A… Also had beefier rear brakes…
I live in the area and I know the place these pics were taken and I’ve met the guy who owns the shop. He is the authority, the absolute expert on RX-7’s.
I have one of the very same in my fleet… same year, same trim level, similar condition and mileage… the only difference is mine is in the less desirable (at least these days) T5 Havana Brown Metallic (but oh so of the period). Great car, lots of fun to drive… the center console stereo stack is an ’80s throw-back hoot… and driving a vintage rotary is truly a unique experience. But one should know that compared to anything remotely modern, these things are slow and quite thirsty given their size and weight. Also, anyone thinking of owning one needs to understand that parts availability can be a challenge. Basic wear out stuff is OK, but interior and exterior trim, forget it… Electrical stuff, spotty at best… and major components to keep that 12A going… good luck. You’re not going to source rotor housings anywhere other than a lucky find in a bone yard… and that would be seriously lucky…
Ooh. An expert.
Good price & suspension mods are readily available for upgrades – I’d swap out the 12A for the 13B already modded w/eyebrow cut & EFI pre-installed…then use the Rotary 13B truck transmission & change rear end gearing to 4-11.
ceramic headers & a HUGE flat BOX custom muffler – ran that set up on a Rotary Truck – 5th wheel bolted thru bed to frame pulled a big steel trailer 2 full Size U.S. cars & could pass semi’s in 3rd gear uphill.
ZZZZRRRAAAAPPPPP–BANG! 💥
Ran it til Iowa road salt rust completely destroyed it
Fun Fun Truck.
In an RX-7 it’s a no brainer set up 13B & Truck Trans w/modded suspension bigger Tires etc
Nitrous would give it a real kick