Unfortunately, there is not an online version of the article to post a link, but I thought I'd let the 1st gen community know about an aricle in the August issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine. If you haven't read this magazine, I highly recommend it. They consistenly have high quality articles on sports cars from across the world, and not just those that the average guy would never be able to afford.

Case in point, the latest magazine has a very good 4 page article on a guy who is the 2nd owner of a pristine 84 GSL-SE. The article does a good job of summarizing the RX-7's historical perspective and then finishes with driving impressions of the subject car (overall positive) and thoughts on future value. Of course, they mention there were a large number of 1st gen's made and that their values are not expected to sky rocket soon, but I do think the price they quote for a low-mileage pristine stock example (expecially GSL-SE) is a bit low.

In any case, if you're out and about I'd recommend checking out the article, and as someone who as subscribed since issue #1 (lastest issue is #12) I can tell you it's always a good read.

Kevin

 

Good stuff Kevin!

On a related note:
I have the "Old car value guide" that states a 84+85 GSL-SE in #1 condition is valued at $9,000.

So take care of them fella's!

 

That seems more inline with recent price appreciation for #1 SE's, especially for someone who purchased a 49K 2 owner 84 SE three months ago. The article mentions this, and it's true, it's easier to find a restorable 7 versus a low mileage, stock example.

By the way, the range given in the article for 1984 7's was a low of $2000...mid $3250 and high of $4500. I believe this was not specific to SE's - just 7's in general for the year. I wish Mazda was able to break down the number of SE's for both 84 & 85 as they are limited production when you look at the whole of 1st gen's. I think it's a bit of a disservice to not be able to review their production numbers separately.

In any case, the fact that a mainstream sports car magazine has devoted an article to a 1st gen is a great thing. I think 1st gen owners would agree that the general population of sports car enthusiasists underappreciate our rotary rockets.