1979 Mazda RX-7

Details

This 1979 Mazda RX-7 GS is powered by a 1.1L 12A rotary engine mated to an optional five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. This two-door coupe is finished in a one-year-only color, Daytona Blue, and paired with a black cloth and vinyl interior. The car was fitted from the factory with 13-inch alloy wheels, MacPherson struts, a rear roll bar, front disc brakes, AC, a smoked glass sunroof, and a lift-back rear glass window. This RX-7 has had the same owner since 1980, when the car was purchased in Seattle. The car is currently located in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

As shown in third-party photos and evidenced by a third-party inspection, this example is still in presentable condition. The inspection reports small dents and scratches on the exterior in a few places, and the owner reports that they believe the cars odometer has rolled over to 122,633 miles despite showing 22,633. However, the true mileage is unknown. The owner claims the car was kept inside during the winter months and, at 120,862 miles, received a detailed maintenance service outlined below. Service records are available. Despite the age of the car, the interior is still in good condition, with a tear in the drivers seat present and a modified stereo having been installed at some point. Mechanically the Wankel rotary engine and manual transmission operate as designed. The third-party inspection rated the vehicle's exterior as a 3.8 out of 5 and the interior as a 4.3. Included in the sale are the 1980 Bill of Sale, 2017 service receipt, RX-7 owners manuals, 1979 RX-7 shop manuals, and one set of keys.

This RX-7 is being sold through a CLASSIC.COM Pro and is located in Chanhassen, MN.

About the model

The first-generation RX-7 (SA22 or FB chassis code) was a two-seat hard-topped sports car with a glass liftback available between 1979 and 1985. Powered by the 12A two-rotor Wankel producing around 100hp, the lightweight sports car proved quite popular for amateur motorsports. This Series 1 RX-7 wore exposed steel bumpers, typically painted body color. The later series 2 and 3 had lighter, plastic-covered bumpers. For 1984-1985, the Series 3 GSL-SE (often called 'five-letter cars') brought a larger 13B two-rotor (135hp) and a different bolt pattern for the wheels. The 2nd Generation Mazda RX-7 replaced the 1st Gen RX-7 for the model year 1986.

Features and Specs

• 1.1L 12A Rotary engine
• 5-speed manual transmission
• 2 door coupe
• MacPherson struts and coil spring front suspension
• Rear anti-roll bar
• Daytona Blue paint
• Original 13 alloy wheels
• Smoked glass sunroof
• AC
• Matching spare tire
• Lift back rear glass
• 7,000 rpm redline
• Font disc brakes

Known Modifications

• Blaupunkt AM/FM Stereo with Cassette
• Motorola Graphic Equalizer

Service History

• At 120,862 miles, front-to-rear mechanical service was completed by an RX 7 specialty shop.
  • Fuel system was flushed, compression tested, carburetor rebuilt, electronic ignition, new spark plug wires and plugs, new exhaust manifold and gasket, new exhaust pipe and hangers, battery cables and hold down bracket, coolant flush, new alternator and belt, and voltage regulator
  • Front brakes and rotors turned with new pads, front wheel bearings repacked, rear brake cylinders, brake system flushed, hydraulic clutch system flushed, replaced right rear wheel bearing, fuel filter, air filter, oil change, lubed window regulator, replaced right headlight retractor motor.
• At 121,000 miles, rear brake drums were replaced, door seals were replaced, and the shifter boot was replaced.

Ownership History

• 1980 - Current owner bought the car in Seattle with 20k on the odometer

Known issues

• The vehicle shows scratches and small dents on the exterior
• Wheel finish is beginning to wear off
• Tire tread depth should be monitored by the new owner
• Tear in the drivers seat

Due Diligence

• Third-party photos 5/10/23
• Third-party inspection found here 5/15/23

Included in the sale

• 1980 Bill of Sale
• 2017 service receipt
• RX-7 owners manuals
• 79 RX-7 shop manuals
• 1 set of keys