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.
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