1986 Mazda RX-7 2

Description

• UNSOLD at auction July 2023
• Sought after FB model 
• Five speed manual 
• 12A engine 
• Factory sunroof 
• Unmodified condition 
• Part of a private collection 

The RX-7 was a great success for Mazda. This simple, lightweight sports car proved that the rotary engine was a viable and elegant piece of machinery. Today, more than 30 years after its introduction, the first-generation Mazda RX-7 is reaching cult status and good ones are very hard to find. 

• First registered 14 March 1986 
• Chassis number JMZFB131200705394 
• Engine number 12A2433343 
• Five previous owners 
• History in a box file 
• Various owner’s club magazines suggest it has been enthusiast owned 

Mechanicals 

• 1146cc twin rotor engine (equivalent to 2.3-ltr) 
• 115bhp 
• 0-60 in 8.6 seconds 

The marvellous rotary engine was mounted well back in the engine bay, sitting behind the front wheel line. This achieved an almost 50:50 weight distribution.  

Mazda then added simple but effective MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle located by a Watts linkage at the rear. UK cars came with all-round disc brakes and a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. It made the Mazda RX-7 a Porsche eating, superb, little sports car. 

Outside 

• Unmodified exterior 
• The paint finish is good 
• Good panel lines and even gaps 
• Original external mouldings, bumpers, glass and trim all in good condition 
• Alloy wheels 

Clean lines and pop-up headlights made for a distinctively sharp profile. It was a fast, trendy hatchback, sporting pencil-thin bumpers and wheels that were flush with the fenders. The car stood out in a sea of mediocre competitors. And the Mazda RX-7 2 still stands out today, making it a real classic. 

Inside 

The originality continues inside. 

• Factory fitted rear parcel shelf 
• Cloth trim 
• Electric windows 
• Electric door mirrors 
• Sunroof 
• Dashboard free of cracks 

A huge analogue tachometer dominates the instrument binnacle. It is surrounded by a large speedo, alongside additional analogue gauges for oil pressure, water temp, fuel and voltage levels. The instrument panel contains all control switches within easy reach from the steering wheel. Simple yet effective. 

Cockpit comfort is another plus for the Mazda RX-7. It feels a bit more special, with better quality than its contemporaries. You sit low to the ground but aided by the wraparound glass rear hatch and quarter windows, the visibility is impressive. 

Summary 

The Mazda RX-7 2 is a proper, classic sports car. Beautifully balanced rear-drive chassis, optimum front-rear weight distribution and an engine that begs to be revved. Don’t be put off by the doom mongers with their horror stories of rotary engines. NSU had problems, Mazda sorted them. 

Values have been lagging for a while. Now the problem is finding one. And finding one that hasn’t been used as a drift car or been massively modified by the pimp brigade. 

The first-gen FB models are increasingly difficult to find in any condition. Finding a Mazda RX-7 2 like this is a lovely treat.