When you begin a hobby, it can often seem overwhelming when it comes to the gear that’s involved. If you want to become competitive cyclist, or an angler, or perhaps take up kite surfing, be prepared to start the process of piecing together the various pieces of equipment you’ll need to get underway. Autocrossing and track day events are much easier by comparison, as you can simply hop on Marketplace and pick up a nearly turnkey race car like this 1984 Mazda RX-7 listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,500.
The seller has dropped the price from an initial ask of $10,000 for this track-prepped FB-chassis Mazda. When I was actively autocrossing, the FB was a regular sight at parking lots around the northeast. I knew more than one driver who was top of their class and piloted a high-revving RX-7 like the one shown here. You almost wanted to wear ear plugs at times because of the ear-piercing sound, but they were incredibly fun to watch. Lightweight and incredibly agile, it’s no surprise the seller of this RX-7 decided to go all-in on prepping one for track usage.
However, one challenge that comes with every track car is that the march of time doesn’t stop. Newer cars become more competitive, and certainly easier to buy parts for. The difficulty of keeping a vintage car repaired and in sound condition doesn’t get any easier, especially as parts support begins to dry up for all but the most popular models. While I suspect it’s still fairly easy to get into racing with an FB RX-7, it’s likely not as easy to do as with a Fox body Mustang or vintage 911. The seller notes all that needs to be done at this point is to install the passenger seat and finish the exhaust system.
The listing notes that the RX-7 will come with “….brand new tires, harnesses, fuel lines, cooling lines, slave and master cylinder, header and a few other things…and two SCCA log books.” The Mazda is also running a limited-slip differential and has fresh fluids throughout. It will come with a variety of spare parts along with front and rear adjustable suspension, adjustable sway bars, a fuel cell, and a full cage. In stock form, an FB produced anywhere from 100 to 135 b.h.p. depending on the specific engine and, of course, any modifications. This looks like a blast to me, even it the little RX-7 would get hammered in the straights. Do you think these older track cars are a good value?
Still got a few of these in the south east that show up at Sebring and Daytona SCCA races. They are fast and the scream of those engines will get your attention.
If you’ve caught the racing bug, this looks to be a terrific deal-and it may be eligible for plates, depending on your state so you wouldn’t need to trailer it. An easily removable muffler might be a good addition once you get to the event, though, as it’s a good bet that it’s too loud for normal street use.
These have always been a favorite and this one is especially cool.
GLWTS!
This is why it’s usually does not make sense to build a race car from scratch, especially for beginners or weekend hobbyists. Quality used race cars are generally inexpensive, make sure it’s been actively raced recently.
This looks like a good deal.
Steve R