This 25,280 original mile 1982 RX7 is so exceptionally clean that it looks like it's been transported directly from the Mazda showroom to the present and hasn't aged a bit in decades. Early Japanese sports machines are definitely collectable, and exceptional original survivors like this remarkable RX7 are surely at the top of many lists for future appreciation. Mazda did their homework with the RX7, giving it a thoroughly modern shape that looked vaguely like the Porsche 944 and took a big step away from the 280Z. Folding headlights, smoked taillights, and compact dimensions made it look ready to start carving corners, and it was mercifully free of styling gimmicks. Even the bumpers were very neatly integrated into the overall design. This one's gold paint shimmers with an even glow and anyone who grew up in the '80s will instantly recognize this color. There's no sign of rust or accident damage anywhere on this incredible survivor, which is highlighted by a black pinstripe that matches the black rubber rub strips. Fit and finish is remarkably good, and just in case you've forgotten how Japan made their mark in the US, you need look no further than how well the doors and hood fit, how flush the headlights are, and how snugly it seals up, even thirty years later. The preservation on this one is rather remarkable. The interior dates itself a little more than the bodywork does, but the buckets are supportive and comfortable for long hauls, and it's a proper driver's environment. The original brown upholstery works well with the gold paint, and the first RX7 was definitely a rocket built for two. Almost everything was standard, and this one includes power windows, A/C, a rear defroster, and that massive sunroof that's totally removable and stows in the trunk. There's virtually zero wear on the seats, the carpets look like new, and the top of the dash hasn't been baked in the sun like so many of this car's brothers. Clearly marked instruments still look contemporary today (yes, that's a 7000 RPM redline on the tach, more on that in a moment), and even the AM/FM/cassette stereo system still sounds decent. The RX7's real calling card, however, was the revolutionary 2-rotor Wankel engine. No pistons, no crankshaft, no valves, just a pair of triangular rotors inside a beer-keg-sized housing. The design was compact and efficient, and happily spun to 7000 RPM and beyond with incredible smoothness. It's a delight to row through the gears of the standard 5-speed gearbox, and despite its reputation for complexity, a well-maintained Mazda rotary engine is a joy to drive. The engine bay is highly detailed and shows signs of care over the decades, and underneath it's extremely clean with no signs of trouble. Stylish 4-spoke alloys look '80s funky and wear 185/70/13 radials that are affordable and more than adequate for the lightweight RX7. This RX7 has always been cherished, and its extensive documentation including the original owner's manual and warranty booklets, vast service records that show off how much love this car has received, plus a clean CarFAX. This is the one to keep forever. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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