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Make Offer Questions?The Mazda RX-7, made from 1978-2002 across three-generations, was a front/mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, rotary-engine-powered sports car that made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list five times. With more than 800,000 models produced, the RX-7 was endeared by Japanese car enthusiasts for its 50/50 weight distribution, nimble driving characteristics, and smooth-sounding Wankel engine. Today, they are regaining popularity in the collector car market for those same reasons.
Art & Speed Classic Car Gallery is happy to present this immaculate 51,000-mile survivor 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL. Introduced in 1981 as the second series (FB) model, 1985 marked the final year of this much improved first-generation RX-7. The Sunrise Red paint on this RX-7 GSL appears to be original and shows exceptionally well, with only two minor paint chips on the front bumper. The glass is also in terrific shape, with only one rock peck on the windshield.
The desirable GSL package gives this car 13-inch alloy wheels, which are in terrific condition, and four-wheel disc brakes. Grand Am Radial G/T tires (185/70R13) adorn all four corners. Though the GSL designation pushed the curb weight above 2400 lbs, it also added a five-speed manual gearbox, sunroof, power windows, cruise control, and other niceties. The chassis uses a MacPherson strut and coil spring setup in the front with a live rear axle.
This RX-7, powered by a 1.1-liter, two-rotor Wankel rotary engine (designated 12A), produces 100 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque with a 7,000 rpm redline. The engine bay is spotless and tidy; even the factory stickers are still under the hood. Because of the lightweight and the engine sits behind the front axle, the 50/50 weight distribution makes for a peppy, fun driving sports car, although the manual steering does give it a heavier feel.
The gray cloth interior with dark gray piping and accents is a nice contrast to the red paint. There are no visible rips or tears — hardly a wrinkle! The factory carpet and floormats are in fantastic shape, as are the dashboard, steering wheel, and shifter. The gauges work as they should, but the plastic cover does show a little hazing. The HVAC keeps the occupants comfortable. The factory cassette player with equalizer works well, although the sound quality might have diminished a bit with age. The hatchback area is clean.
All in all, this 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL is a super clean little hatchback that harkens back to a simpler time. There are no fancy bells and whistles beyond the basics, but it is a well-maintained classic that is sure to make the new owner plenty of happy memories. Come by the Art & Speed showroom today to see this gem of Japanese engineering!