1988 Mazda RX-7

Description

Blending revolutionary technology and attractive styling, this 1988 Mazda RX-7 will be a great acquisition for the sports car enthusiast on the hunt for something unique. It's more than a mere conversation piece, though. Coming complete with a clean history and extensive maintenance records, it's an agile performer that's in good shape and ready to provide its new owner with miles and miles of driving enjoyment.

The RX-7 had already been out for about 8 years by the time this car saw the light of day and during that time it blossomed, stylistically speaking - transforming from somewhat of a visual novelty to an unquestionably refined-looking sports car. The designers at Mazda realized that the United States market would be key to their success and set about determining just what styling cues appealed to American buyers, drawing inspiration from several popular models, most notably the Porsche 944. While it may have been an approach much more pragmatic than artistic, it was especially effective. This particular RX-7 represents the model well, sporting its original black exterior that's clearly been garage kept it's whole life, so remains very nice. Being the beneficiary of good care and a clean history with the documentation to prove it yields definite dividends - despite its nearly 30 years of service, this remains a very well-aligned, vibrant looking car with clean glass, pop-up headlights that sit all the way down when not in use, and the prominent protective molding running its entire circumference still impressively level. Low slung and angular, it gives off a decidedly road-ready vibe.

You'll find a well-appointed interior waiting inside. The gray high-backed bucket seats, with their integrated head rests, are nicely bolstered to provide support for more spirited driving and straddle a center console that's in surprisingly good shape. Up front in the dash area, the red-tinted gauges in the instrument cluster remain easily readable, while just to their right, the controls positioned at the center of the dash look surprisingly modern, given this Mazda's venerable age. The air conditioning has been upgraded to R134a, so is in good form, blowing both cold and strong. The sunroof, a welcome feature, is also in good working order, opening and closing without issue and sealing properly to keep the elements out. Open the hatch in back and you'll be surprised at how much space sits before you - plenty of room for luggage for two to be stowed comfortably and lined with an expanse of stain-free gray carpeting. The spare tire and tools are also in their proper place behind the tail panel.

At the time this car rolled off the line, Mazda was synonymous with rotary engine technology that allowed substantially more power to be extracted from modest displacement than with more traditional engines. Not only does the compact 1.3 liter engine (about the same displacement as a '70s era VW Beetle) put out just under 150 horsepower, but its size allows it to be positioned relatively far back towards the windshield in the engine bay, affording the RX-7 outstanding weight distribution. Combine that nearly mid-engine configuration with very precise power rack and pinion steering and an independent rear suspension, both unavailable in previous generations of the model, and you have a car that's a lot of fun to put through its paces on winding roads. It's also worth noting that this car is equipped with a Limited Slip Differential, which is quite rare on a non-turbo. The power disc brakes at all four corners bring it to a stop in short order as well. This inspired blend of style and technology sits on a set of stock 15" rims, outfitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires.

Looking for a unique sports car that's off the beaten path and ready to provide some driving excitement? You need to check out this 1988 Mazda RX-7. Call today!