Rare LE Trim: 1983 Mazda RX7 Limited Edition – Sold?

January 9, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The first-generation Mazda RX7 is known by its internal chassis code of SA which is largely associated with introducing rotary power to the masses. Although there was a rotary-powered Mazda truck, the REPU remains on the sidelines of the collector car hobby at the moment, while the earliest RX7s continue to command strong money and increased attention. This 1983 RX7 originally listed in January 2021 on Craigslist in East Hampton, New York is particularly desirable for being one of just 5,000 Limited Edition models built and is offered with a price tag of $15,999 with claims of being in great cosmetic shape and mechanical health.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool suggests the seller has priced his RX7 fairly given an “Excellent” condition model is valued at $21,100.

The RX7 in its various forms has been both an on-the-limits handler as well as a comfortable grand tourer. Lately, enthusiasts are latching onto the earliest eras of pretty much any performance car, recognizing the fact that we’re not going to be making simple, straightforward sports coupes with no frills or technology ever again. The days of a stripper-grade performance car equipped with two bucket seats, a manual gearshift, and a respectable powerplant are seemingly long gone. The first-generation RX7 even made an appearance in Hagerty’s annual roundup of cars to watch, noting that the incredibly pure driving experience and surprisingly robust parts supply makes the affordable RX7  a classic most anyone can live with. However, luxurious, it is not, so if you want a newer car with advanced safety features, there are plenty of over-stuffed CUVs with your name on it to choose from.

In this MotorWeek Retro Review from 1983, the Mazda RX-7 gives the Porsche 944 a run for a lot less money:

The LE models received cosmetic tweaks, largely in the form of special paint and sharp BBS-style wheels. To this day, I remain convinced that there’s isn’t a single car in the world that doesn’t look good on mesh wheels, as this limited edition RX7 goes to show. The seller notes that his special RX7 hasn’t seen rain or snow, having been kept inside during the winter months and that the red cloth interior remains in excellent condition. The photos seem to confirm with, with no signs of major flaws like tears or cigarette burns present. Mileage is said to be just 58,000, and the condition on display in the photos seems to validate the low odometer reading. No mention is made in regards to records of previous maintenance, but clearly being a car that was intended to be used for collector purposes, I’m sure more than a few things were done well. If this Limited Edition Miata works for you, it works for me – get in touch with the seller today.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1983 Mazda rx7 limited edition. This car is almost perfect all original with only 58000 miles interior is perfect shows no ware 5-speed air conditioning that still works needs nothing, car has never been driven in the rain or snow only driven between memorial day and labor day on sunny days still has the original air cleaner element that was blown out after every drive recent tune-up runs and drives perfect.

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