Rusty But Trusty

While most RX-7 enthusiasts seem to aspire to the top-spec 5-letter GSL-SE with its 135hp 13b engine, there’s something very appealing about the simplicity of the original RX-7 – the funkier wheels and dual tail light rear end give the basic wedge (which shares a lot with the Porsche 924) some character. As with many 1970s versions of cars which were sold through the 1980s, the earlier cars probably weigh less and are less insulated, giving a purer, more raw experience. Oddly enough, the New York market has sprouted a couple of sweet examples of these cars – check out this 1978 Mazda RX-7 for sale for $3500 in Bridgeport, CT.

The other plus of an earlier car is you get these bright colors, much better suited to a small sports car than some of the grey and brown shades of the 1980s. Many also got the Italian-looking alloy wheels as an upgrade. This particular car looks great, having likely enjoyed a new coat of paint. Said to have 91,000 miles, the interior is also in decent condition, though the seat padding may be a little worn. The engine compartment is also immaculate – hopefully reality bears out what these pictures show, which is an amazingly clean little car. Even the air conditioning is said to work, and the car shifts smoothly.

If $3500 is a little too rich for your blood, how about this 1979 Mazda RX-7 for sale for $2500 in Brooklyn, NY? It looks nearly as clean and wears Idaho plates, which signifies either a dry-state car or a scam (though the picture background does look right for the location). The nose has suffered a bump, the seats have a couple of minor splits, and the steering wheel might be bent, but it’s otherwise quite a clean car.

The seller’s assessment of “needs nothing” might be a little optimistic, but if the mechanical condition is as good as it’s said to be, you might be able to have this one close enough to the level of the yellow car that you could come out slightly ahead. Does the charm of the earlier cars appeal to you too?

Tags: Feature, japanese, mazda, rx-7, sports car

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