1985 IMSA Value?
09-21-16, 10:01 PM
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1985 IMSA Value?
Hi all,
My first post here... I've always loved the early RX-7's and now have a chance to buy a 1985 IMSA GS with the Targa band, spoiler and IMSA front end from the original owner. The thing is like a time capsule with only 12,000 original kilometres, (8000 miles). Grey with red interior.
Any thoughts as to it's value?
My first post here... I've always loved the early RX-7's and now have a chance to buy a 1985 IMSA GS with the Targa band, spoiler and IMSA front end from the original owner. The thing is like a time capsule with only 12,000 original kilometres, (8000 miles). Grey with red interior.
Any thoughts as to it's value?
Last edited by Andrew Huculak; 09-22-16 at 09:03 PM.
09-22-16, 08:22 AM
#2
Waffles - hmmm good
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Not enough back story or pics to make a guess. Not sure what an IMSA GS is? Special dealer
package maybe? Some aftermarket body kit?
You need pics posted for us to make educated guesses.
package maybe? Some aftermarket body kit?
You need pics posted for us to make educated guesses.
09-22-16, 08:53 PM
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Ok folks... here's some photos... I took it for a test drive today. Runs perfectly with no issues. 8000 miles, GS model with no A/C, (although it has an A/C switch on the dash) the fancy stereo with graphic equalizer, no power steering and crank windows. Thoughts on value? It really is like it's been in a time machine. The fellow bought it new in 1985 and has all the original paperwork.
09-22-16, 09:21 PM
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I noticed that too. The spoiler and the targa band must have been dealer added items, including the fancy stereo. Any idea why there would be an A/C button on the dash, but no A/C, or was this normal on the GS model?
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09-23-16, 05:40 AM
#9
That is an 85 GS in Custom Silver Metallic. It does appear that it does not have a/c. If it did, the a/c button would be next to the recirculate button. it does however have a 12A. The a/c was installed at port when the 7 came to California to be delivered to dealers. There would have been paperwork with the air conditioning install and a pre delivery inspection form for the a/c as well. The pin striping was a dealer add on, however certain striping kit were available as an optional accessory.
As stated, the front air dam is not present so its not a full kit unfortunately. The front air dam is the holy grail of the kit as it is the rarest piece in the kit. I've only ever seen one personally in 18 years of RX-7 collecting and restoring. I would guess that most took a beating and were pitched...the thought of that sickens me...
That car is a fantastic buy. RX-7 prices are on the rise for low mile collectibles. In the U.S. I would see that car sell for around 10k. If you can get it cheaper buy it instantly if not sooner and hang onto it. Its a true collector's car and should be cherished as such.
The wheels will also have a date stamp. Verify that the date stamp matches the build date or very close to. And also check to see if the headlights are the original Koito units.
I wanted to add, I see the car has the highest end Clarion sound system available for the 84-85 model year! The strange thing is that it doesn't have the fader control joystick..
As stated, the front air dam is not present so its not a full kit unfortunately. The front air dam is the holy grail of the kit as it is the rarest piece in the kit. I've only ever seen one personally in 18 years of RX-7 collecting and restoring. I would guess that most took a beating and were pitched...the thought of that sickens me...
That car is a fantastic buy. RX-7 prices are on the rise for low mile collectibles. In the U.S. I would see that car sell for around 10k. If you can get it cheaper buy it instantly if not sooner and hang onto it. Its a true collector's car and should be cherished as such.
The wheels will also have a date stamp. Verify that the date stamp matches the build date or very close to. And also check to see if the headlights are the original Koito units.
I wanted to add, I see the car has the highest end Clarion sound system available for the 84-85 model year! The strange thing is that it doesn't have the fader control joystick..
Last edited by mazdaverx713b; 09-23-16 at 05:43 AM.
09-23-16, 06:43 AM
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Thanks so much for your comprehensive reply! There IS an A/C button next to the recirculation button and yesterday while driving the car with the original owner he lamented that it hadn't come with A/C. I wondered, (to myself) if it had A/C, but needed a recharge. I would think the owner knew better than I, however.
He showed me a appraisal from last year for $18,000.00 Canadian, but suggested it could be had for $12,000.00. I think I could probably negotiate that down to $10,000.00 but that's likely too rich for my blood.
The car drives like new. Without power steering, you really have to drive it, Out on the highway it's a joy. Someone is going to get a gem here. Maybe even me.
He showed me a appraisal from last year for $18,000.00 Canadian, but suggested it could be had for $12,000.00. I think I could probably negotiate that down to $10,000.00 but that's likely too rich for my blood.
The car drives like new. Without power steering, you really have to drive it, Out on the highway it's a joy. Someone is going to get a gem here. Maybe even me.
09-23-16, 06:48 AM
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One other thing of note. The rims are 13" however the spare is a 15" on a grey painted rim, (as I recall). When we looked under the carpet at the spare, the owner told me it was the first time he had ever seen it. Needless to say, it was all pristine.
09-26-16, 10:22 AM
#12
Waffles - hmmm good
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Theres a few things that seem off to me, like the missing spoiler, the rubber seal around the
back of the engine compartment, the chrome trim on the wheel wells. To me this devalues it
some. I wondered about the fader joystick as well.
The lack of AC on a CA car doesn't surprise me. You can add it in later easily.
I would check for rust under the car. in the lower rear wheel wells, and inside under the bins.
I would also look closely to see if its been repainted. I can see someone adding the targa,
the rear spoiler, the chrome trim on the wheel wells and thinking they could get more for it.
The interior looks really nice and seems to match the mileage.
back of the engine compartment, the chrome trim on the wheel wells. To me this devalues it
some. I wondered about the fader joystick as well.
The lack of AC on a CA car doesn't surprise me. You can add it in later easily.
I would check for rust under the car. in the lower rear wheel wells, and inside under the bins.
I would also look closely to see if its been repainted. I can see someone adding the targa,
the rear spoiler, the chrome trim on the wheel wells and thinking they could get more for it.
The interior looks really nice and seems to match the mileage.
09-27-16, 08:37 AM
#13
1981 was the first year for the compact spare in the RX-7. The compact spare was grey and I'm sure its original. If it has never been on the car there will be colored lines on the tire tread and you will not see any marks from a lug bolt on the seat for the lug bolt's taper.
09-27-16, 08:41 AM
#14
Theres a few things that seem off to me, like the missing spoiler, the rubber seal around the
back of the engine compartment, the chrome trim on the wheel wells. To me this devalues it
some. I wondered about the fader joystick as well.
The lack of AC on a CA car doesn't surprise me. You can add it in later easily.
I would check for rust under the car. in the lower rear wheel wells, and inside under the bins.
I would also look closely to see if its been repainted. I can see someone adding the targa,
the rear spoiler, the chrome trim on the wheel wells and thinking they could get more for it.
The interior looks really nice and seems to match the mileage.
back of the engine compartment, the chrome trim on the wheel wells. To me this devalues it
some. I wondered about the fader joystick as well.
The lack of AC on a CA car doesn't surprise me. You can add it in later easily.
I would check for rust under the car. in the lower rear wheel wells, and inside under the bins.
I would also look closely to see if its been repainted. I can see someone adding the targa,
the rear spoiler, the chrome trim on the wheel wells and thinking they could get more for it.
The interior looks really nice and seems to match the mileage.
09-27-16, 09:47 AM
#15
I would say this is the real deal in terms of true low mileage. Look at the clutch and brake pedals, no wear at all. Lack of joystick balance/fader control might be because dealer upgraded the stock GS stereo system to the GSL one.
Unfortunately when one buys a car of such low mileage, one is not inclined to drive it - which really defeats the purpose of having the car. Unless you're just parking your money in it as an investment - I think there are better cars to invest it. Rotaries will never appeal to the mass market and 500,000 SA/Fb's made means they are not a rare car.
Unfortunately when one buys a car of such low mileage, one is not inclined to drive it - which really defeats the purpose of having the car. Unless you're just parking your money in it as an investment - I think there are better cars to invest it. Rotaries will never appeal to the mass market and 500,000 SA/Fb's made means they are not a rare car.
09-28-16, 11:28 AM
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I'm back home now, having passed on the car. I'd like to help him sell it, so those interested in buying it can send me an email, and I'll provide his contact information. His name is Gerry. I asked him if he wanted me to do this, and he said, "sure'. I told him I expected nothing from helping him out other than the knowledge that it will go to someone who will appreciate it, such as you folks here.
The car is the real deal. There is no rust, other than a bit I noticed just under the left side of the rear spoiler, (it appears to be from where the dealer drilled holes to mount the spoiler, you can see it in an above photo if you look closely) and on the inner exhaust tubes which I would expect to be normal, (I have a photo). The paint is original, however he did tell me a piece of mortar fell out of his chimney one day onto the hood and he had the hood repainted as the body shop said they could match it better. I couldn't tell if he hadn't told me about it. I recall he mentioned adding the stereo later which may explain the no fader toggle. The spare looks like it's never been used, but he can be asked. He had a steering linkage part replaced that he showed me... other than that it's just like it was when he bought it new in 1985. Drives perfectly.
I was going to buy it and drive it home, but at nearly 4000 kilometres, it sort of defeats the purpose of getting it with such low mileage. uShip's cheapest bid so far is $2500.00, (I really did want it, but it's just too far away). For those on or near the east coast, or an avid collector, you'd be hard pressed to find a better original example.
andrewhuculak@hotmail.com
The car is the real deal. There is no rust, other than a bit I noticed just under the left side of the rear spoiler, (it appears to be from where the dealer drilled holes to mount the spoiler, you can see it in an above photo if you look closely) and on the inner exhaust tubes which I would expect to be normal, (I have a photo). The paint is original, however he did tell me a piece of mortar fell out of his chimney one day onto the hood and he had the hood repainted as the body shop said they could match it better. I couldn't tell if he hadn't told me about it. I recall he mentioned adding the stereo later which may explain the no fader toggle. The spare looks like it's never been used, but he can be asked. He had a steering linkage part replaced that he showed me... other than that it's just like it was when he bought it new in 1985. Drives perfectly.
I was going to buy it and drive it home, but at nearly 4000 kilometres, it sort of defeats the purpose of getting it with such low mileage. uShip's cheapest bid so far is $2500.00, (I really did want it, but it's just too far away). For those on or near the east coast, or an avid collector, you'd be hard pressed to find a better original example.
andrewhuculak@hotmail.com
09-30-16, 11:49 PM
#18
Senior Member
I have the imsa kit on my 85gsl....including the elusive front airdam
Attachment 585843
I don't think yours has the original factory targa top... From what I recall The original says Mazda on the sides.... The aftermarket one says targa 7
But nice nice clean car though
Attachment 585843
I don't think yours has the original factory targa top... From what I recall The original says Mazda on the sides.... The aftermarket one says targa 7
But nice nice clean car though
Last edited by Vohaul; 09-30-16 at 11:58 PM.
10-05-16, 11:34 AM
#22
Senior Member
no, before i owned the car, someone had done it with a rattle can.....the car was repainted last year, so rather than replaceing everything, i just had them paint it all......all the mouldings mirrors, around the doors is all done.... to be honest, i like it, i think it updates it a bit
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