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2021 08 17 CCC Featured External Listing 1988 Mazda RX-7 GXL 5-speed manual
Here is a 1988 Mazda RX-7 still in the hands of the original owner. It is a GXL trim, highest for the non-Turbos. The RX-7s were all equipped with Wankel rotary engines. This 13B engine displaces 1.3 litres and was good for 146 horsepower when new. Don’t be fooled by the relatively low displacement – this second generation FC is not a standout for fuel economy, especially by today’s standards.
CCC Vital Info –Â 1988 Mazda RX-7 GXL 5-speed manual
Odometer – 136,000 km
Engine Info – 1.3L Wankel rotary 13B
Transmission Info – 5-speed manual
Exterior Colour – Red
Interior Colour – Grey
Other features – Aftermarket stereo, Functional a/c, rear spoiler, fog lights
Seller – Private
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The Wankel is mated to a five-speed manual which gets the power to the rear wheels. This was a glorious time for hot hatch sports cars. The RX-7’s period competition among Japanese makers was in the form of Toyota Supra and Nissan 300ZX. Honda did not really compete in the bracket, its CRX was front wheel drive and a four-cylinder, two fewer than the non-rotary Toyota and Nissan. Pop-up headlights were also a necessary pre-requisite to play in the space. Of course, Stuttgart was producing the Porsche 944, on which this body MUST have been based.
The car at hand is claimed to be the cleanest available. Our review of the photos available cannot dispute this, the car is in nice condition. At about 4,000 km per year, we talk to the seller about winters but it’s probably a good bet that this hasn’t seen many January ice storms, as claimed.
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Red paint looks to be in wonderful condition. Light lenses and glass looks smooth and free of chips and cracks. The wheels look to be the BBS numbers available as a factory option, despite the non-BBS centre caps.Â
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The interior does indeed look to be in nice condition. However, the seller opted for aftermarket sound somewhere along the way – not a preferred choice for some collectors. Aftermarket head unit, amp and big subwoofer in the back – a status symbol for some at the time – are in evidence in the photos. Seats are trimmed in cloth and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather – common today, not so much in 1988. Seller mentions functional air conditioning – useful this Summer of 2021 in Ontario, which has been a hot one.
Seller claims regular and extensive maintenance. Over the years, he has replaced the windshield, done regular oil changes and tended to heat shields, belts, thermostat, tires as well as brakes. Most recent work has been on brakes and beyond the normal pads and rotors: stainless flex lines, master cylinder and pads. Owner mentions that he has service records in hand – a definite selling feature.
Find this 1988 Mazda RX-7 GXL 5-speed manual for $15,795 in Kingston, Ontario on Auto Trader.
Thanks to CCC subscriber Jeff for sending in the ad.
