Highlights
- Same owner since 1982
- Highly original and tidy early car
- Just 56,000 documented miles
- Very rare to find in this condition
- Groundbreaking and entertaining sports car
The Appeal
Before the MX5 there was another sporting Mazda that broke the mould. The SA RX-7 also launched a long lineage that outsold the doyen of sporting cars, the MGB. But where the MX5 was conventional, the RX-7 was clever.
The RX-7’s styling may have been similar to other contemporary coupes like the 924, but beneath the bonnet was a remarkable rotary engine developing 114bhp. This sweet-revving unit gave the RX-7 low body roll, excellent grip and near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
But if you’re here, likely none of that is news to you. You may also know this car, whose current keeper is officially the longest owner of an RX-7 having acquired it in 1982, just two years after it was first registered. It is a Series 1 ‘SA’ RX-7 and one of only 450 imported in 1980.
The condition reflects his enthusiasm. And the low mileage of just 56,261 miles from new. Highly original and well maintained by a Mazda-trained mechanic, it is a very tidy example of one of the 1980s’ greatest sports cars. A rare find in any condition, but particularly at this level and with this provenance.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered on 1st February 1980
- Three registered keepers
- Current keeper since 22nd September 1982
- Vendor advises us that he is officially the longest owner of a RX-7 in the UK
- History file with lots of old tax discs and MOTs
- Various older and more recent invoices
- Always maintained by a Mazda trained mechanic but not all work is documented
- Older invoices show mileage of 53,796 in 2011
- MOT history and earlier handwritten MOT certificates confirm the low mileage
- Oil change on 14th June 2021 at 55,829 miles with other check over at same time
- 2 keys
- Vendor states the car was one of 450 imported to UK in 1980
- Historic Vehicle exempt from MOT, tax and ULEZ
- Last MOT expired 8th June 2023 with 55,984 miles showing and no advisories
The Condition
- Very tidy and original Series 1 with front and rear spoilers added in period
- Mostly original red paintwork with some areas of restoration
- Paint finish is good with bright and consistent colour
- There are some minor areas of overspray to rubbers and exhaust tail pipe but not unsightly
- Bodywork is very straight and generally unrestored with some minor areas to note
- These include small rust spots on wheel arches visible in photographs
- Some minor paint flake visible to underside of both sills
- Underside in good order with no structural advisories on last MOT test
- Original factory-correct alloy wheels in good order with tyres showing plenty of tread
- Period-correct black side stripes, RX-7 decals and factory correct badging to bodywork
- Unmodified and very well kept interior with original fittings and little wear
- Black vinyl and fabric seats show good shape and finish
- There is a small tear to base of one seat between vinyl and fabric sections
- Original four-spoke, split-spoke leather-rimmed steering wheel with light wear to rim
- We are advised the rear hatch struts need replaced and interior light does not work
- Original Clarion radio/cassette fitted with works but requires aerial replaced to improve
The Mechanics
- 1,146cc rotary engine rated at 2,292cc by DVLA for tax purposes
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Clutch replaced twice during car’s life by current keeper
- Yan Speed stainless steel exhaust fitted in 1988
- Original and unmodified mechanicals including manual choke
- No reported driving or running issues
- Vendor reports slight steering play but not a MOT advisory and typical of age and mileage
- He also advises a small carburettor leak that the buyer may wish to attend to
- New oil cooler was fitted in the early 1990s
- Last serviced in August 2023
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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