So I have come across an '85 "S" model that does not have sunroof, a/c, power windows/mirrors, power steering, etc. It's basically a stripped cheap version of an rx7 with a 12a and cheap looking wheels. What do you guys think of these "S" models and what would you say they're worth? I've never seen this model before and it baffles me why mazda would even make a model like this.

 

Yeah, its worthless, give it to me. LOL

Sometimes the stripper models are more interesting for what they don't have. What you are describing would be a racers dream because no sunroof and the lightness from missing all the power goodies. On the other hand I'm not sure Mazda ever sold one this stripped down. I wonder if someone pulled this together on an 85 roller and is flipping it?

Anyway, pictures tell the story. Post em up.

 

This would be a race car dream for sure, nothing to delete and no welding a sunroof on the car needed.

Mazda did make these S models for sure, Sean (82transam) has one and loves it. I think they're pretty hard to come by, I very rarely see them come up for sale.

 

Mazda made them as an entry level model so that they could advertise at a certain price point to get customers into the dealers and then upsell a higher level trim. The S was that entry level model of course and with no options, they were affordable. The came standard with steel wheels, manual mirrors, no windshield sun shade, no glove box or rear hatch lighting, manual antenna etc. The dealers would often order the S model with A.C. and aluminum wheels to make the car more appealing and turn a little extra profit.

As far as value is concerned, the condition of the car is where the money is at. Most people will want a higher level trim such as a GS or GSL, but that right buyer will appreciate a base S for what it is and being that its a zero options car, that will appeal more to the right buyer. I personally would be willing to fork out a little extra for a base car knowing they are uncommon and knowing that a lot of them have in fact been raced and abused. A good condition stripped model is an odd duck worth a chance and a little extra cash if in the right condition, IMO.

 

I know a guy here in my town that has a 79 GS with steelies. Thats right, steelies!

He bought the car in 79 as a GS but didn't get the optional waffles. His steelies are
complete with the center cap and beauty rings. They could use a good cleanup but
other than that they are fairly minty. I told him those wheels are so cool because
hardly anyone actually had them or kept em.

 

I actually have a set of SA steel wheels. I don't have the center caps though.

 

One of these has been for sale on Pittsburgh autotrader for more than a year now and hasn't sold, might be useful as a point of comparison. No idea what's wrong with it but I'd guess it doesn't run anywhere near as good as it looks.

From my perspective, the base model is more desirable than the higher trims. I have a 79 limited and while I like the car for what it is, I probably would have been happier with a base model that I could mess with without worrying about originality. Accessories like AC, radio, power windows/locks/whatever aren't really that big of a deal on an older second car like they are on a daily driver.

 

Thanks for the info guys. The car is clean and original with 105k miles and does not look or feel abused. I guess I like those creature comfort features like a/c and sunroof, but we'll see what happens in the next week or two. I am still actively looking for an '84 or '85 gs/gsl/se though!

 

Checked the classifieds section here on the forum lately? What about Facebook? There are tons of RX-7's that are publicly listed for sale on there for decent prices, I've snagged two or three of them off of Facebook now.

 

I have a set of center caps and no steel wheels could be yours.

 

Now that could work out Marc!

 

A quick look on Facebook classifieds brings me one Rx-7.an 82 for 3200

Craigslist offers:

84 as a rolling chassis... $150
88 vert, no engine.. "ready for SBF swap" $800
80, no title engine transmission or respect left...$200
89 vert, looks like it runs. $2500
81, automatic. looks complete but a body man's nightmare $600
83, $3500
93 RHD $25000

These are within a approximate 100-150 miles from my location. When looking for my kid's RX-7 there was no shortage of title issues or people selling cars not in their name. In my area modest examples are very rare. most that are for sale are beat to hell or show quality specimen.

 

I like the dash on the 84/85 so I'm mainly looking for those years. Stock, modded, running, no rust or rot, and not repainted. I've come across some nice original and modded examples on fb and craigslist so I'm sure I'll find the right one sooner or later. It's the daily searching that's killing me! lol

 

Echoing what others have said - the S models are pretty rare since most buyers wanted the extra options. Rare doesn't really mean "worth more" though in this case, the condition of the car is more important to the value.

That said, two of my FB's are S models, and it's definitely what I gravitate towards looking for - that way I can add what I want to them myself One of mine was from the original owner, still had the steel wheels and everything. Only options it had were the cassette/4 speaker stereo "upgrade", and dealer installed A/C - nothing else. No hatch area light, no glove box light, not even a dead pedal next to the clutch!!

Anyway, Good luck with your search!

 

Could post a pic or two to add some incentive, showing what an S model can become

 

If the S model near me had at least a/c I'd probably buy it already, even if it's not in a color I would ever consider (tan with dark brown interior). I've thought about buying it then adding the a/c parts but by the time I'd done with it I'm better off buying one with everything I want on it already.