Description
Private sale of my much loved 1995 Mazda RX-7 FD3S (JDM Type R Bathurst), which I purchased from a reputable Ford dealership in 1998, when living in Hiroshima. The one previous Japanese owner traded this Mazda in to buy a brand new Ford.
Fortunately, as soon as the Ford dealership advertised it, I was one of the first to see it, and, after a detailed inspection, I immediately offered the full asking price, as the condition was exceptional in comparison to all the other RX-7s I had been viewing in Japan at that time.
I drove it around Hiroshima and other parts of Japan for about 15 months, enjoying every moment. It behaved perfectly. I treated it to several services and always kept it clean. I then personally imported it into the UK in early 2000, when I finally left Japan to return to the UK.
After importing, I wax injected all cavities including inside the doors and tailgate and I have never driven it in bad weather or on salty winter roads. As a result, after 26 years in my ownership, the bodywork has remained in outstanding original condition.
Since arriving in the UK, the car has been continuously kept in a dehumidified garage and has been perfectly maintained with yearly services using the correct grade fluids and genuine Mazda parts (service intervals are listed below).
The Brilliant Black finish has never had any repairs, or undergone any form of paintwork correction. It would therefore respond perfectly to a full professional detailing session, if a machine polished finish is desired. Personally, I am happy with the way it presents itself which can only be described as excellent for a 29 year old unrestored car.
Similarly, there have been no mechanical failures or major repairs needed other than continuous general maintenance. Consequently, it still drives perfectly, and there is no immediate mechanical work needed whatsoever. It starts first crank every time, hot or cold, and the exhaust continues to show a pleasing dark grey colour inside the tailpipe. Frequent oil and plug changes has certainly paid dividends.
The interior also remains in top condition with zero permanent modifications, which is an increasingly rare thing for an FD these days. The alloy pedal covers, RX-7 mats, RX-7 door step covers, front spot lights and rear parcel shelf were all optional extras available from new. The front and rear strut braces were factory fitted from new.
A few additional bolt-on mechanical upgrades have been made, but in each case, the upgrade is fully reversible. This has been limited to the wheels, the induction kit, and the rear exhaust section from the catalyst rearwards. Since these are not permanent changes, the car can easily be returned to 100% factory spec in a matter of hours.
All removed parts remain in my possession and are included in the sale price. The 4 unmarked original wheels are in perfect condition, and the original air-box assembly, plus all clips and hoses have been safely stored and should stay with the car.
I have kept every invoice, receipt, MOT certificate and Tax disc in a huge history folder going back to my ownership in Japan, including my bill of sale, insurance, shaken and registration documents.
Service history during my ownership:
Japan:
19/ 09/ 98 - 43, 209 km oil & filter, air filter
02/ 02/ 99 - 45, 401 km oil & filter, exhaust sensors
04/ 10/ 99 - 46, 970 km oil & filter, all belts, plugs, gearbox & axle oil
21/ 12/ 99 - A'PEXI N1 stainless steel exhaust fitted
UK:
28/ 04/ 00 - 48, 440 km oil & filter, brake fluid, coolant, fuel filter
04/ 09/ 00 - 54, 051 km oil & filter
23/ 12/ 00 - 60, 722 km oil & filter
06/ 05/ 01 - 66, 125 km oil & filter
08/ 09/ 01 - 73, 762 km oil & filter
24/ 12/ 01 - 82, 410 km oil & filter, plugs
08/ 03/ 02 - Vortex wheels & induction kit
15/ 03/ 02 - 87, 365 km oil & filter, plug leads
06/ 06/ 02 - 92, 526 km oil & filter
24/ 12/ 02 - 97, 004 km oil & filter
18/ 01/ 04 - 99, 210 km oil & filter, twin Green air filters
02/ 01/ 05 - 100, 825 km oil & filter, plugs
06/ 07/ 06 - 103, 627 km oil & filter
28/ 02/ 09 - 105, 311 km oil & filter
20/ 03/ 10 - 106, 165 km oil & filter, brakes & cooling system
04/ 03/ 11 - 107, 680 km oil & filter
02/ 06/ 12 - 111, 175 km oil & filter, plugs
10/ 03/ 15 - 114, 609 km oil & filter
27/ 10/ 16 - 116, 141 km oil & filter, plugs & plug leads
20/ 08/ 18 - 118, 126 km oil & filter
05/ 04/ 20 - 121, 395 km oil & filter, plugs
23/ 07/ 21 - 122, 158 km oil & filter
16/ 09/ 23 - 123, 713 km oil & filter, plugs
Mileage is currently circa 124, 670 km.
It will be fully serviced before sale or collection.
M. O. T expires 28/ 10/ 2025
Thatcham approved Alarm/ Immobiliser fitted.
Two keys.
Bad points:
Two tiny door dings (circa 6mm) on rear quarter and one on the front wing, of similar size. Thanks to public car parks.
One short shallow crease on passenger door, almost invisible.
One wheel has a gentle kerb graze which could be dressed out.
All these defects are very minor for a car approaching 30 years. I sincerely believe it would be hard to find a more genuinely original, well cared for FD than this, although I suspect there will be cheaper alternatives and far more modified versions out there, which will always seem tempting.
Please be careful with auction imports from unknown sources, especially if showing low mileages. In my experience (having viewed many RX-7 when I lived in Japan) the low mileage is not always indicative of careful ownership, although I am not saying the odd gem cannot be found.
There are certainly cheaper RX-7s out there, but a lot of them have irreversible modifications and fresh paintwork. Ask why it has been repainted? As the old saying goes, a car is only original once. Unfortunately, there are plenty of tired examples globally with little or no known history masquerading as good cars. Tread carefully.
My RX-7 is unique in the fact I have owned it since 1998 and can honestly confirm it has never seen a track-day, never been damaged, never been painted, and has lost none of the outstanding performance these JDM classics are well know for.
It remains a genuinely well cared for, completely rust free, and hugely original, unmolested example. Ideally, it needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. In a world where cars like this are no longer made, good ones that remain in original condition are the ones most likely to appreciate in value year on year.
The only thing it needs is another devoted new owner. It is a joy to own and will bring a smile to your face every journey. Please contact me with any questions or if you need further information. Thanks for looking.
Footnote: In 2002 I made a big mistake and sold this car. Luckily, less than 6 months later, I managed to buy it back. This makes me the first and third UK owner and explains the "two previous owners" on the V5C document.
