Japanese Early SA Limited FS
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-in New Zealand -
;) So's not to drive prospective buyers insane! (or maybe that will?) http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=245556620 This is a pretty rare bird and a rather significant RX-7 since it represents what was the first RX7 version shown to the press and public in the spring of 1978. This is the metallic Green top of the line model "Limited" that was featured in virtually all the press releases world-wide, even tho this particular model was a JDM-only machine. I have posted a couple of pics here, but check the link for the complete set. JDM cars of all ilk are annoyingly common in Australia and NZ due to lax duties and regs. This nearly-dead stock RX is, by Ozzie standards, quite cheap, what with RX3s and older school rotaries sometimes in the $20K (NZ)+ range not uncommon. And that this one escaped the "modifications" knife makes it especially unique. Some points of interest: -fender mirrors - the electric ones, yet. Limited came with these of course, as did ALL Rx7s of the day, but the other 4 models got the get-out-and-adjust-em-yerself manual mirrors. Switches can be seen under RH of dash - familiar to any US LS or Anniversary SA owners. -note no EXTERNAL antenna. JDM RXs had this built into the windshield. So interior switch is blanked. -note 2 little blisters on fr and rr bumpers. This the external result of the much-lighter non-shock/impact bumpers. Yep, straight steel bumpers mounted with dinky little brackets that require a painted thru-bolt outside bumper. Must have shed some 40+ pounds of hardware over ours! -uber-rare OEM molded mud guards. Optional even on the Limited, avai only in Japan. -chromed license-plate lamps, unique to JDM -conspicuously absent: sunroof. Not available till later in the year - N.Am was the only market to get the SR option immediately. -note Miata seats and FB wheels in this particular car :( With ebay filled recently with New-ish SAs in the $15-to-$25K asking (but not selling) price lately, this gem is a bit of a deal and certainly a milestone car in RX7 lore. If anyone gets the bug and imports it I hope they'll let us know (rotarydude, you know who you are). Stu Aull 80SG Alaska |
thats a beautiful gem
thanks for the post |
If I had a job that paid well, i'd be all over this.
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Aside from the 5 colour interior, I love that car. Would look better with the proper bronze waffle wheels though.
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Originally Posted by orion84gsl
(Post 9644506)
Aside from the 5 colour interior, I love that car. Would look better with the proper bronze waffle wheels though.
Stu Aull 80GS Alaska |
F-me, although I have never said it to anyone my absolute favorite is met green i have wanted one since i saw the color chip that said it was a 79 mazda color.
I hate to do this to a couple of you though, orion it did not come with bronze waffles it would have come with silver waffles if it had them it very possibly came with steels trim rings and center caps. Stu, Stu, Stu sunroof was available, maybe not on the limited i would have to look at my JDM lit to be sure I thought it was the GT car you couldn't get the sunroof on but it was available from day one on some cars as the 88 car I have (manuf 2/78) has a sunroof. How do we know this is actually the car from the literature do you know the vin # if this is real I will find the $$ to pony up for it as i think it would make a nice complement to the 2 early significant SAs i have now. BTW Stu remember chastising me about the map pockets on my "early" 79s door panels. I am talking about the #88 car. Then i told you i thought that they were JDM since the car was hand built? Seems this car bears some of that info? |
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'dude-
check your JDM Honkatas (those are the BIG brochures) - I have what I believe to be MOST of the SA JDM brochures, and they don't start listing the sunroof as an option until March of 79 (date on brochure), so likely production of home market S/R RX7s didn't start till...?? Dec. 78/Jan 79? According to this brochure, the 4-car range expanded to a _6_ car range with the introduction of the SE (as in sunroof-equipped)-Limited (pic) and the SE-GT. I am confused by your ref to ol' #88. This is a US-spec car isn't it? Not a JDM Savanna. As you know, the sun roof was available in US production cars from day one. I presume the Vin SA22C-xxx88 refers to the 88th N.American production RX7, not the world's 88th Rx7? As to my reference to the Limited in the NZ ad (above, my original post), you are correct: it came with the silver waffles which obviously got separated from this car :( As to this car "actually the car from the literature", what I meant was it was this _type_ of car, ie Green Limited, that was the Presentation Car Mazda featured in most of its Introduction literature. But, yeah, if this was THE car, that would be a find wouldn't it!? :) Tough call on the door panel pockets. Could it be that Limiteds had them from Day One? All my JDM literature going back to March 78 shows Limiteds WITH door pockets - but does not illustrate interiors of the lesser cars. I have owned higher-Vin'd number GS RX7s than your #88 w/o door pockets, so I am puzzled... no chastising intended! Always a kick to go head-to-head w/you on specs! Stu Aull 80GS Alaska |
Originally Posted by 7aull
(Post 9646870)
As to this car "actually the car from the literature", what I meant was it was this _type_ of car, ie Green Limited, that was the Presentation Car Mazda featured in most of its Introduction literature.
But, yeah, if this was THE car, that would be a find wouldn't it!? :) Stu Aull 80GS Alaska |
Thanks Stu
Originally Posted by 7aull
(Post 9646870)
'dude-
. As you know, the sun roof was available in US production cars from day one. I presume the Vin SA22C-xxx88 refers to the 88th N.American production RX7, not the world's 88th Rx7? Tough call on the door panel pockets. Could it be that Limiteds had them from Day One? All my JDM literature going back to March 78 shows Limiteds WITH door pockets - but does not illustrate interiors of the lesser cars. I have owned higher-Vin'd number GS RX7s than your #88 w/o door pockets, so I am puzzled... no chastising intended! Always a kick to go head-to-head w/you on specs! Stu Aull 80GS Alaska I would love to get this car, it honestly is a stretch for me to do so right now. If this was the car then I would find a way to make it happen since we can't verify it I really shouldn't try for it now even though I want to. Oh Stu we never really go head to head, you just keep me straight!!!! |
At roughly $6,400 US before shipping and who knows what other govenrment bleeding process, that is not out of line in my opinion. Better spent money than the 12 or 25K limiteds recently advertized. I agree this color is great for a collectable Rex. Brown leather and a sunroof would be just over the top!
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the STU and DUDE discussions of minute production details always amaze me . I hope there are still a few mysteries left for you guys to uncover :icon_tup:
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Agreed Banzai - shudder to think what spike-strip US Customs would lay trying to bring that car in but sure would a conversation piece!
Originally Posted by ourxseven
(Post 9646961)
the STU and DUDE discussions of minute production details always amaze me . I hope there are still a few mysteries left for you guys to uncover :icon_tup:
:D Stu Aull 80GS Alaska |
Nice find Stu! Wouldn't mind one of those at all :)
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i would kill for a savanna!!!
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Originally Posted by 1 sic fb
(Post 9654584)
i would kill for a savanna!!!
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Crap, looks like I need more life insurance, I got 3 in the garage now LOL
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Originally Posted by rotarydude
(Post 9656218)
Crap, looks like I need more life insurance, I got 3 in the garage now LOL
give us the coordinates so we can see the wankel patch |
Originally Posted by rotarydude
(Post 9656218)
Crap, looks like I need more life insurance, I got 3 in the garage now LOL
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Stu a little help I know you posted pics in the past of my place I can't get to them from Iraq. My Savannas are far from perfect but unless you have a RHD to start with you can't make them cool. BTW I also have a 76 RHD JDM Cosmo as well but y'all don't think it is cool.
If you all search my back posts there are some pics I have posted previously |
Originally Posted by 7aull
(Post 9646870)
'dude-
check your JDM Honkatas (those are the BIG brochures) - I have what I believe to be MOST of the SA JDM brochures, and they don't start listing the sunroof as an option until March of 79 (date on brochure), so likely production of home market S/R RX7s didn't start till...?? Dec. 78/Jan 79? According to this brochure, the 4-car range expanded to a _6_ car range with the introduction of the SE (as in sunroof-equipped)-Limited (pic) and the SE-GT. I am confused by your ref to ol' #88. This is a US-spec car isn't it? Not a JDM Savanna. As you know, the sun roof was available in US production cars from day one. I presume the Vin SA22C-xxx88 refers to the 88th N.American production RX7, not the world's 88th Rx7?Stu Aull 80GS Alaska Is this the case? Were the early JDM cross-patterned fabrics dropped after a year for all models? Also, were these fabrics exported to any markets? And BTW, have someone posted JDM brochure scans somewhere in this forum? I would love a link to those. Best regards from Copenhagen, Bo |
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The green car mentioned above is this one!
JDM Limited in the colour metallic green which was a Limited-exclusive colour in Japan. BR, Bo |
the color on that car is called Mach Green Metallic, color code G4. its a beautiful example. as Stu caught, the seats are from a Miata and the wheels are from an FB.
a careful eye will note that the metal battery tray is mach green as well whereas it should be black so this could indicate an engine bay repaint. for the price i would expect 100% originality but either way its a wonderful car worth an SA fantasy :) |
Originally Posted by rotarydude
(Post 9660024)
BTW I also have a 76 RHD JDM Cosmo as well but y'all don't think it is cool.
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
(Post 10583785)
a careful eye will note that the metal battery tray is mach green as well whereas it should be black so this could indicate an engine bay repaint. for the price i would expect 100% originality but either way its a wonderful car worth an SA fantasy :)
ive seen others too, but not enough to get a feel for what came with what. |
after a peek under the hood of my 80 LS, i note that the battery tray is indeed painted solar gold. i was wrong to assume the SA was like the S3.
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
(Post 10584897)
after a peek under the hood of my 80 LS, i note that the battery tray is indeed painted solar gold. i was wrong to assume the SA was like the S3.
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Originally Posted by KKM
(Post 10583392)
Hi, This is an older thread but I was happy to find some scans of the JDM 03.79 brochure. I have a copy of the JDM 03.78 Honkata showing the fancy cross-patterned fabrics, however, it appears they are gone on the Limited models a year later.
Is this the case? Were the early JDM cross-patterned fabrics dropped after a year for all models? Also, were these fabrics exported to any markets? And BTW, have someone posted JDM brochure scans somewhere in this forum? I would love a link to those. Best regards from Copenhagen, Bo you are correct. The "plaid" seat covers were spec'd for the 1979 model year only, as far as I can tell from my Honkata collection. These covers were sold in the US-spec cars as well in 1979 (NOT the Limited seat style illustrated tho - that seat type, with the collapsible headrest, came with the 80 LS and Anniversary then standard in the FB rx7s after 1980). An entirely new fabric selection came out with the 1980 cars, some of which we did NOT get here in N. America. Presumably, because the 1979 model was not released in Europe, no RX7s sold there would have the plaid seat coverings. This image is taken from a 1978 64-page JDM dealer "Sales Manual " I am restoring for reprinting. Regarding battery trays - I have seen most with the body-color too and these appear to be OEM... Stu Aull 80GS Alaska |
Originally Posted by 7aull
(Post 10585171)
Hi Bo-
you are correct. The "plaid" seat covers were spec'd for the 1979 model year only, as far as I can tell from my Honkata collection. These covers were sold in the US-spec cars as well in 1979 (NOT the Limited seat style illustrated tho - that seat type, with the collapsible headrest, came with the 80 LS and Anniversary then standard in the FB rx7s after 1980). This kind of fabric was also widely used on e.g. German cars with a "sporty" appeal. I like them as they are SO seventies. BR, Bo |
Originally Posted by KKM
(Post 10585232)
Hi, Very interesting info as I do not recall to have seen a USDM ´79 with "plaid" seat covers although I have noticed the "plaid" seats in the Parts Catalog. Perhaps it was only for the earliest "1978" USDM models.
This kind of fabric was also widely used on e.g. German cars with a "sporty" appeal. I like them as they are SO seventies. BR, Bo yes, plaid was on the earlier 78-production 1979 models. No coincidence Mazda used the Porsche 924 with ITS plaid interior, as a building template to some degree.... Stu Aull 80GS Alaska |
Love those plaid interiors. Here's a shot of one of those rare beasts from the Atlanta area, Andy's '79 SA (or possibly a '78, I'll have to ask him).
Bone stock right down to the mechanical ignition: http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...green/15-3.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...n/DSCF2153.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...green/14-3.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...reen/cars4.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...maculateSA.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...green/21-1.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...n/DSCF2154.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...green/and1.jpg And here's a couple shots of my Savannas http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...rgreen/sa3.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...rgreen/sa5.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...n/newsa010.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...n/newsa008.jpg |
My Savanna; picked it up at JCCS last year for a really sweet price!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...f/P4230001.jpg |
Originally Posted by ray green
(Post 10586686)
Love those plaid interiors. Here's a shot of one of those rare beasts from the Atlanta area, Andy's '79 SA (or possibly a '78, I'll have to ask him).
Bone stock right down to the mechanical ignition: i rebuilt the point ignition in mine, and it really sucked, it barely made the 1000mile sevenstock journey, i dunno if its the points we were getting or what, but putting the electronic ignition makes the car like a swiss watch |
Originally Posted by ray green
(Post 10586686)
Love those plaid interiors. Here's a shot of one of those rare beasts from the Atlanta area, Andy's '79 SA (or possibly a '78, I'll have to ask him).
Bone stock right down to the mechanical ignition: [/IMG] The seats and two-tone interior of this early (or early mid-late) car appear to be close to the early JDM cars, however, the earliest Japanese cars (at least the Limited version) had door pockets. As shown in a post above, exactly that seat was offered in Japan too. BR, Bo |
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A beauty Ray - and an S as well, with the dealer optioned body moldings and alloys. 2-tone interiors are so 70s! (in a good way, as opposed to Disco...). Sweet to see the early, radio-speaker dash in nice shape too, esp in a Southern car.
ANY 'S' I have seen has the no-pocket door cards. 'S' and the bottom-of-the-4-model range JDM(1978) 'Custom' are basically the same car, tho US spec added: -p. antenna (JDM SAs have no such option - was in windshield) -radial tires (!!) One thing ALL JDM SAs had tho was the 5-speed, unlike our SA 'S's.... Stu Aull 80GS Alaska |
Originally Posted by 7aull
(Post 10588434)
ANY 'S' I have seen has the no-pocket door cards. 'S' and the bottom-of-the-4-model range JDM(1978) 'Custom' are basically the same car, tho US spec added:
-p. antenna (JDM SAs have no such option - was in windshield) -radial tires (!!) BR, Bo |
BTW, does anyone know the name and code of the dark green (non-metallic) color offered for 1978/1979 in Japan (see "Custom" car above), one of only 5 color options.
BR, Bo |
Ray, are those stamped-steel rims on all but the Limited?
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