Six Months Gone: 1984 Mazda FB RX-7 – Sold?

June 20, 2021 Update – while this Mazda RX7 “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

May 19, 2021 Update – Sure enough, one week after their last Craigslist post expired, the private seller of this Mazda RX-7 just posted a new listing containing the same pictures, description, and $9,000 asking price.

April 18, 2021 Update – Sure enough, one week after their last Craigslist post expired, the private seller of this Mazda RX-7 just posted a new listing containing the same pictures, description, and $9,000 asking price.

April 11, 2021 Update – while this Mazda RX7 “Classifind” just expired, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing.

March 9, 2021 Update – After pulling their ad in January after two months without a sale, we came across a new listing of this ’84 Mazda RX7 using the same pictures, description, and price.  We’re fairly certain the only thing holding this example back from a quick sale is the less desirable automatic transmission.

January 31, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so for now we’re assuming this RX-7 is now “SOLD!” 

An 80K original mile survivor-quality example lovingly owned by the current caretaker for the past ten years.  A great color combination on an entry-level GS model.  This 1984 Mazda RX-7 originally listed in November 2020 and subsequently relisted in May 2021 on Craigslistin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for $9,000 checks all the right boxes for us, save one:  it’s equipped with an automatic transmission.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has their RX-7 priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $16,200 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $8,800, before factoring in a 20% deduction due to the less desirable automatic.

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.  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.

“The More You Look, The More You Like” was Mazda’s tag line in their early 1980s U.S. advertising, and here’s an example of that with an ’83 RX-7 featured:

It’s becoming very hard to find an unmolested, well-maintained, and rust-free FB RX-7 such as the example presented here.  While our preference would be to have a manual-equipped example to wring the most out of the smooth Wankel power plant, this RX-7 is nice enough to consider the automatic an acceptable trade-off. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This car has been my love and joy the past 10 years, but life is changing and it’s time to pass along to another loving owner. List of goodies below. Drives wonderfully starts right up, hasn’t seen rain most of her life!

< 80,000 miles
– Automatic transmission
– GS Model
– 12A Wankel rotary pulls hard, lightly burns oil as it should
– 4BL carb recently cleaned, intake lightly ported and polished
– Cold air intake
– Upgraded MSD ignition and coils
– Good battery
– Full stainless exhaust, no catalytic converter, only one pre-silencer, all smog equipment removed
– Exhaust is pleasantly loud, not obnoxious
– LSD rear added, have original
– Suspension replaced
– 4 Wheel disk brakes
– Great tires
– Extra set of OEM rims, two with good Firestone snow tires (although I’ve never had her in that messy stuff!)
– Fuel tank dropped and internally seal coated
– Aftermarket CD radio
– Removable roof
– Original paint, no rust
– Shop and performance manuals included
– Garage kept, hasn’t seen rain!
– Currently has antique tags, no PA emissions or inspection required

Enjoy drooling, let me know if you’re interested!“

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