With its wedge-shaped profile and pop-up headlamps, the Mazda RX-7 is every inch a child of the 1980s. Echoing the GT style and pop-up headlamps of rivals such as the Porsche 944 and Nissan 300ZX, it’s a style that defines an increasingly nostalgic era among performance car enthusiasts.
But the RX-7 is more than that, for its also mechanically fascinating, powered by an innovative twin rotary ‘Wankel’ engine, the Mazda also has turbine smooth acceleration and red lines at 7,000rpm, making it an incredible machine to drive.
This one is a facelifted (FB) first-generation car dating from 1986, midway through the model’s lifecycle. Unlike the early models, it features bigger bumpers, a larger rear spoiler and a much-improved cabin, while it also features an extremely rare TWR factory bodykit, based on the styling of the Walkinshaw Touring Car racers of the era.
It has been kept dry-stored in a private collection for the past two years, following a long-term period of ownership lasting over two decades, during which the car wanted for nothing. It has an impressive history file and is in wonderful, preserved and largely original condition, perfect for the collector. It’s a fabulous piece of Eighties automotive art, in terrific condition inside and out.
The History and Paperwork
Original handbook, wallet and service book with book fully stamped up to the 11th service, with further stamps on the back of the following pages
Supplied new by Richard Knight Mazda in Swiss Cottage, London, and subsequently resold by Mazda main dealer Elford’s of Bournemouth in 1989, whose number plates are still displayed on the car
All original handbooks, documents and factory paperwork
Invoices dating back to the late 1980s
Large pile of old MOT certificates dating back to 1990
Copy of old V5
MOT valid to March 2025
The Condition
Lovely ‘Tender Blue’ paintwork, largely original with evidence of some paint blending suggesting some past paint rectification to a very high standard
Excellent condition all over
All four alloy wheels refurbished
Recent matching Nexen tyres all-round
Appears superb underneath with no visible corrosion or damage
Original TWR factory body kit
Ice cold Air Conditioning
Rear arches and sills are in excellent order
Two very small dents in OS/R arch
Bumpers all good with no major marks
All correct trim, badges and details
Full-size sunroof
Pop-up headlights
Excellent grey velour upholstery
Seats in very good condition with only very minor wear to right-hand seat bolster
Excellent carpets and door cards
Smart luggage area with original blind
Original tools and spare wheel
Period correct radio-cassette player
Digital quartz clock
Wonderfully Eighties feel to the interior, which is all intact, fresh and well-presented
The Mechanics
1,146 cc 12a twin rotary Wankel engine
Five-speed manual transmission
Starts on the button with no excessive smoke or oil consumption
Well maintained and serviced by previous owner
Stainless steel exhaust system
New battery still under warranty
Drives very well with no known or declared issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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1986 Mazda RX-7
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