Club Equipped: 1982 Mazda RX-7 FB GSL 5-Speed – SOLD!

August 16th Update – The private seller deleted their Craigslist post, so with a new caretaker likely found we’re calling this one “Sold!”

We readily admit our “Sports Car Saturday” theme of requiring an open top limits us from featuring otherwise great sports cars such as this first generation, Series 2 “FB”, 1982 Mazda RX-7 five-speed listed on Craigslist Baldwin, New York that’s claimed to be a one-owner car with an asking price of $6,000 or best offer.  Checking the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Rx-7 priced between the #3 “Good” appraisal of $8,800 and the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $4,100 before factoring a ten percent premium for the GSL package.

Mazda launched its stylish rotary powered RX-7 sports car in 1978 as the affordable alternative to Datsun’s 280ZX, which by that point became more of a luxury grand tourer.  The RX-7 was a hugely popular hit both in its homeland and here in the U.S.  Heavily investing in Wankel Engine technology at the time, Mazda featured a two rotor 1.2 liter 12A Rotary power plant offering very smooth 100 horsepower, albeit with a tendency to gulp, rather than sip, gasoline.  The Series 2 (produced from 1981–1983) , or “FB” cars had integrated plastic-covered bumpers, wide black rubber body side moldings, wraparound taillights and updated engine control components. While marginally longer overall, the new model was 135 pounds lighter in federalized trim.  The other big news was the new GSL package. Enthusiasts appreciated the package included new 14-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes. Also part of this package were  a sunroof, power windows, and other niceties that increased the curb weight to just above 2400 pounds.

One of the more famous YouTube Car Reviewers, That Dude In Blue, provides a great overview of the “FB” RX-7 in this video:

The worn car cover and the mention of one owner have us thinking this may be a nicely preserved, well maintained survivor RX-7 used summers only as the 135,000 miles averaged over its 38 year lifespan is less than 4K annually.  Even more cool than the car cover is the period correct “The Club” theft preventer and a box installed on the lower dash that may be stereo related, but you’ll need to confirm with the seller.  If you know what that item is, please comment below and fill us in.  The only thing we hope is that the next caretaker who purchases this FB appreciates it for what the car is: a nice survivor.  The world does not need another example of one of these heavily modified with tasteless modifications.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“One owner ..1.1 ltr GSL…5 speed trans..clean ready to go…135k mi…serious inquiries only…avail Saturdays. Asking $6000 or the best offer“

Do you have a Mazda Rx-7 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!