1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

Description

This well-presented 1984 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE is not just about recapturing the coupe that you wish you bought back in the day. These early Japanese sports machines are quickly climbing up the valuable collectable lists, which makes a nicely presented icon like this a solid buy, too.

Mazda did their homework when designing the original RX7. It has the long hood that made the Corvette and Mustang into icons, but it also added European flair with a hint of the Porsche 944 in the execution. And of course, there's plenty of its cross-Japan rival Nissan Z in the mix, too. The result is a style that's unique but hits at all the right emotions. And of course, a red sports coupe will always tug at your enthusiast heart strings. This total package is presented exceptionally well on a coupe that features flush folding headlights, tight body gaps, and the bumpers were very neatly integrated into the overall design. It's what helped establish Mazda's quality reputation, and everything that looked great back then only got better with age on this example. That's because the level of care is remarkable right down to the bright factory alloy wheels.

The interior is exceptionally well-preserved, and so we know you'll love all the 80s-chic touches. The textured two-tone gray bucket seats look great and were engineered to keep you comfortable. This GSL model is loaded with all the best sports car features, including center console, power windows, electric rear defroster, cruise control, and cold air conditioning. Plus, the huge sunroof removes almost like a targa top and stows in the trunk. In fact, the only real difference you'll notice from factory spec is the stereo. You still get the cool factory setup with integrated equalizer, but the speakers now also include a modern amplified subwoofer in the rear. But what really matters in a sports car like this is the driving experience. From behind the original steering wheel you can see the clearly marked instruments, including the 7,000 RPM redline tach.

The RX7's real calling card was the revolutionary two-rotor Wankel engine. No pistons, no crankshaft, no valves, just a pair of triangular rotors inside a beer-keg-sized housing. Plus, the GSL-SE was the top-of-the-line that added a larger displacement, fuel-injected powerplant over the standard '83 model. The design was compact, efficient, and could provide the same power as its six and eight-cylinder competitors. But it's true hallmark was that it could happily spin to 7,000 RPM and beyond with incredible smoothness. In fact, if you've never experienced the difference of a rotary, you get to discover a whole new performance sound that comes from going beyond your normal rev range. It's the heightened performance feeling that makes it a joy to row through the gears of the five-speed gearbox. Combine this with a front-mid engine layout, sport-tuned suspension, and the GSL's larger four-wheel disc brakes – now you know you have something quite unique and quite fun to drive.

Complete with owner's manual, this feels like a great investment in a quickly appreciating market segment. Plus, it's an adrenaline-driven rotary RX7. So now your head and your heart can agree on the perfect affordable classic. Call now!