I'm looking at getting a 1st gen RX-7 and am trying to figure out what I should be looking at price wise for each model. I'm more looking for a GSL-SE but have been considering LE and other models. For comparison, assume the cars in question have 70,000 miles, very original and unmodified, manual trans, excellent condition, etc... Please rank the below for higher demand/higher price on the market, maybe give an approximation of how much more a model is worth than another (ex: GSL-SE worth $1000 more than a GSL of equal condition):

GSL-SE
83 LE
GSL
GS
SA LE
SA



I'm assuming the GSL-SE would be at the top of the list for demand and asking prices. How about a GSL vs LE if they're both 1983? How about a SA vs FB GS? SA LE worth a decent amount more than a non-LE SA?

 

Mine's worth the most...

Because it's MINE!

 

Don't forget the S(base) model and LS model for 1980

 

(S) for the Win!!!

 

given your description of the "condition" ..... they are all worth between $2500and $5000 maximum , so not much , and not really much difference between them.

Its way more fun to buy one you like for $1000 , and then spend 10K , or all your spare time to try and get it to be worth $5000

The GSL-SE is consistently the top $$ first gen, the rest have little things that make them unique to RX7 enthusiasts , but not really valuable to the anyone else. These are not Barret Jackson vehicles , and never will be

 

^^^ This man speaks the truth.

 

SA LE ftw. Unfortunately, it will be the -SE being the top dog.

 

-se takes the cake brooo

 

Thanks for the replies. I was kind of surprised that some of the SUPER nice GSL-SE's weren't bringing more money. That's one thing that's great about these 1st gens, real nice clean ones are still pretty reasonable. I'm coming from the world of Z cars where real clean ones seem to be even harder to find than clean RX-7's of same vintage, and the ones that are that nice are getting pretty pricey.

 

Tornado Silver...that sounds dangerous right there...i might inquire about that color...this car's in need of a paint job anyways,

 

In my experience with buying old cars, you can't be too picky about getting an exact model or year. Sure, a clean LE would be on the top of many first gen owners' wish lists, but how many really good ones are out there for sale?

Look hard and long, but buy a car that has been taken care of and that you like looking at. I've purchased my best cars from original owners. The GSL-SE is top of the pile, but the GSL is a great car too with LSD and rear discs.

The great thing about SA/FB cars is that there is not really an undesireable model. Unless you count the unfortunate slushboxes.

 

as these people have mentioned the SE models are at the top for most costly. Personally i love the simplicity of carbed cars and they're a complete different kind of fun for me. anyways also as stated before, you don't choose the car the car chooses you therefore get the one that calls out your name and putting your own time, sweat and tears into it will make the price appreciate in value. (more emotionally than the literal sense, but you know where i'm getting at)

 

well no matter what trim or model the vehicle is you also have to keep in my mind these are..like 25 year old cars...that everybody who gets ahold of them thinks there driving a ferrari and whip the **** out of it...i recommend buying 100% stock...and build it to your standards...rx7 are super to easy work on...take the motor out for breakfast...port it for lunch...drop it bak in for dinner...and race it for dessert

 

At 70k miles, that is still too many miles to really fetch top dollar. The GSL-SE will be top $$, but the spread is not really that much. When you start talking very mint, very low miles (like 30k miles), the values (especially on the GSL-SE) really starts to take off.

Out of the GSL-SEs, the late '85 models are typically going to be worth even a bit more because in late '85, they started painting the mirrors to match the body color. So, by far the majority of 1st gens in general (and even GSL-SEs) have black mirrors, having the body color painted mirrors makes it even more rare and valuable.

They have not really started to get into the collector car status like the Z cars have. This means that you can get a very nice 7 for probably 1/2 the cost or less than a similar Z.

 

I think SAs will be the ones to appreciated first and by the most in the next N years. There were far fewer (expecially early 79s) produced compared to FBs and they have a very unique appearance from the later FB series. Of course I'm biased

That said it will be quite awhile before these would ever be considered collectible. Just look at how much 60s era little british cars like MG and MGBs pull in today. You can still get excellent examples for 10K or less restored or original. Same with VW beetles. Don't buy an RX as an investment (you will lose), buy it because you like it.

 

it seems it goes like this:

gsl-se, with the late 85 shaded glass/painted mirror cars on top

SA's, especially the early ones, with no passenger mirror, and the LS's and X editions.

basically the early and late, and oddball specials

there are too many 81-85 12A cars, although they are still cool

 

Interesting question, I would say that for the money that we are talking you would be best to buy whatever your passion is. I bought my GSL SE for 1500 and plan to spend several thousand on it to get it to the level of my expectation. But the fact is that collecting cars is not primarily about the money. Its about proudly driving a car that means something to you.

I'm expecting my car to appreciate in price, which is nice, but the point is that I have a car that I REALLY like and represents what I think a hot sports car ought to be.

PLEASE buy the car that you have a passion for, treat it as well or better than it deserves, and when payday shows up, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

 

Maybe consider this-
For _most_ sports cars, the earliest models tend to historically be the most valuable over time (note there are always exceptions to every rule):
-early MGBs more valued than last of series
-likewise 240Z vs 260/280
-Jag E-type
-vettes
-alfa romeo spiders

I think from what I have seen lurking on ebay steadily for the past 5 years, immaculate SAs and -SEs command the best prices, with the edge going to the SA's. Not sure if the fact "only" 100,000 SAs were produced vs 300,000+ FBs has anything to do with the fact FBs tend to be cheaper...

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Consider rare options, strange color/interior combinations as well.

For example, a rare light tan interior is hard to find. A black with grey interior S3 will also be rare.

 

Man try to find one with a few mods/turbo kit already on it for around 2 k if you can .then get a ported specked out engine for around 2.5-4k make sure you have the good rearend and a turbo trans run about 18-20lbs boost yadayadayada
and vwalla 10k later your pissin everybody off

79/80 is what I got, its a 80 madel with 79 tailights from the factory!!and used to be red

 

Pics!!

 

Isn't that the TRUTH!!!!

My 84 SE
Purchase price: $1500
Money Spent: A LOT more than the car was, is, and will be worth...
Priceless Moment: On a canyon drive years ago, a late model Supra owner who couldn't drive (or didn't want to push his car) said this to me when we stopped: "Hey man, do you want to get ahead of me?"


I would say GSL-SE's are my favorites. Owned 2 so far. Gray cloth interior's the best! = )

 

I'm curious as to what you think the differences are between the 79 lights and the 80 lights?