Highlights
- UK-supplied car in same-family ownership from new
- Showing under 24,000 miles supported by history file
- Engine recommissioned in 2026 by rotary specialist Essex Rotary
- Recently passed all important crucial hot compression test with no issues
- £1,700 of recent work including carburettor kit and new injectors
- Very rare and highly original rotary engined marvel
- Ulez RFL and MOT exempt
The Appeal
In the late 70s Mazda wanted a sporting halo car to demonstrate its new Wankel rotary engines. It took a magpie-like approach, basing its new car on Porsche’s then-new 924. The resulting RX-7 proved far more than a slavish copy - beneath the sharp, European lines this was one of the most innovative sports cars of the era.
That was all thanks to the rev-tastic Wankel twin rotor engine, but where the RX-7 scored was in how it delivered, offering drivers instant, seamless and continuous power right up to the 7,000rpm red line.
Due to 1980 Japanese import quoters RX-7 was never a big seller in the UK and today survivors are exceptionally rare. Likely few have the provenance and originality of this one, which has covered less than 24,000 miles in the hands of one single family from new. Finished in attractive and rare light green metallic, it is a desirable later MK1 Series 2 car with the upgraded interior, rear boot spoiler and other external improvements and the improved engine over the MK1. The condition is genuinely impressive and the car retains many original features including the steel and glass roof option with a storage bag and period Clarion stereo.
The vendor acquired the car recently from the family after it had been in storage for several years, which the MOT history supports. He has set about recommissioning the car and having it checked over. That work was done in early 2026 by Essex Rotary and includes over £1,7000 of engine work and attention to the carburettors and injectors. Enthusiasts will be pleased to know that it has also passed the all-important hot compression test with no issues.
Finding a RX-7 is one thing, finding one 23000 miles and one family owned is quite another. One not to miss.
History and Paperwork
- UK-market, right-hand-drive car supplied new by Mazda UK
- First registered 22nd August 1984
- Two registered keepers from new
- Vendor states that the two keepers were husband and wife at same address
- In dry storage since around 2022 with few miles covered
- Some history file and paperwork documenting the car's history
- Essex Rotary engine recommissioning and additional work carried out in early 2026
- Various old MOTs and tax discs as shown
- Factory handbooks and service books as shown
- Last MOT expired 26th July 2022
- Car is eligible for Historic Vehicle status by age
- Early service history below with further details in history file we are told
The Condition
- Attractive light green metallic paintwork in good condition for age
- Revised Series 2 car with integrated bumpers and other cosmetic factory improvements
- Paintwork generally presenting well
- Front wing N/S noted as slightly off colour as shown
- Factory 14in alloy wheels in good general condition with some aging to note
- Tyres appear in good condition but age is unknown
- Underside as shown with evidence of undersealing
- Brown velour interior is highly preserved and in very good condition for age
- Series 2 brown vinyl dashboard and trim in good order
- Car is supplied with two removable roof panels one glass the other steel and storage bag as shown
- Clarion period radio cassette all working perfectly
- Practical 2+2 layout
- The vendor describes the interior as being in very good order
- Window switch fault will need attention
- Fitted with rear original Mazda mud flaps
The Mechanics
- 1.3-litre twin-rotor(rated at 2.3) 100bhp Wankel engine
- 5 spd manual gearbox
- Engine recommissioned in early 2026 by rotary specialist Essex Rotary
- Recently passed hot compression test with no issues
- Attention to carburettors and injectors in recent months
- Vendor states car runs as it should consistent with 23,000-mile reading
- Owner expresses the car drives superbly
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
