This one-owner 1988 Mazda RX-7 is a true survivor, showing just 30,850 original miles and remaining completely stock since new. Purchased brand new by the seller’s grandparents, it has been garage kept its entire life, never driven in winter, and has spent the past 36 years indoors and away from the elements. Finished in Claret Mica Metallic with a black velour interior, this RX-7 is described as rust-free, unmodified, and ready to enjoy. It’s currently listed here on eBay.
The second-generation RX-7 (chassis FC3S) was a significant step forward for Mazda’s rotary sports car, with a more refined ride and improved handling compared to the first-gen SA/FB models. This example is a naturally aspirated coupe with the 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine and a five-speed manual transmission, making it one of the purer driver-focused versions of the model. While many FCs have been modified, tracked, or heavily worn over the decades, finding one in this condition—owned by a single family since new—is increasingly rare.
The seller states the RX-7 runs beautifully, starts easily, and shifts cleanly through all gears. With its low miles and careful ownership, the drivetrain has reportedly never been apart or modified. The naturally aspirated rotary isn’t as aggressive as the later turbocharged models, but it’s known for smooth power delivery and an eager revving nature, which pairs perfectly with the lightweight chassis.
Cosmetically, the car presents as a well-preserved original. The Claret Mica paint is said to be glossy with no fading and only two small dings. There’s no rust anywhere, which isn’t surprising given its garage-kept history and the fact it has never been winter-driven. Pop-up headlights, often a trouble spot on these cars, are fully functional, and all electronics work, including the original radio and cassette deck.
The interior is a highlight, described as “like new” with minimal wear. The velour seats, carpet, and dash are clean and well-kept, showing no signs of the sun fading or cracking commonly seen in FC interiors. The photos on the listing should confirm just how well-preserved this car is after more than three decades.
For enthusiasts or collectors, this RX-7 represents a rare chance to own a near-time-capsule example of Mazda’s iconic rotary sports car. Many FCs were used hard and modified heavily, leaving few original examples like this. Would you keep it exactly as it is for occasional weekend drives, or would you store it away as a future collector-grade investment?
The Turbo II models really had some steam and same great looks. 👍
This one looks in very nice condition. Kudos to the original owner 👏
It’s hard to believe this RX7 is 37 years old!!! I remember when they were new when I was in High School thinking that they were in a league way above any pay grade I’d ever have. This one is gorgeous, burgundy and grey interior and in amazing condition too. I enjoyed your write up Elizabeth. Thank you.
I still miss my 87 RX7, now gone almost 10 years. Comfortable, plenty of pep and outstanding handling.
Yeah, Tony. I had a ’79 and an ’87, and both were really fun to drive.
I drove an ’89 for about a year and a half back in the early 90’s. That car put many smiles on my face! It had a penchant for getting a little tail happy! I picked up my ex-wife on our first date in it in the middle of the winter. I almost couldn’t get out of her driveway. Very embarrasing lol.
The second-generation RX-7 is my favorite, but I prefer the later models with airbags. A couple of years they came with those damn “passive” seatbelts that threatened to decapitate you every time you closed the door, as the little motor “mouse” moved the seatbelt behind your neck as you bent forward to adjust the seat! This one has a conventional 3-point belt, fortunately! This one would be ideal if it were a convertible with a Turbo, but beggars can’t be choosers, LOL! The maroon color is nice, but would go better with a tan interior, but IIRC, the grey was the only interior color you could get for these! GLWTS, anyway!
I liked this RX7 but the next generation was so hot it’s had for me to fully appreciate this model as much. Beautiful car though.
The biggest problem with the third-generation cars, other than a huge price increase, was the fact that they couldn’t be had as anything but a coupe. No Targa top, no T-Tops, not even a sunroof, IIRC. They were smoking fast and handled like they were on rails, though.
The third-generation RX-7 also begat the slightly more practical RX-8, with those vestigial rear doors, so there’s that.