LongDuck

Hard to believe it's been 40 years since this 1984 GSL-SE rolled off of the production line in Japan. Thanks to a forum member here with access to Mazda records, he informed me that this VIN was created on Jan9, 1984 and the car was purchased by my dad on Mar1 of that same year. As a 12 y/o kid at the time, I can still remember the day my dad drove it home and took me and my brother for a test drive. I as enamoured by the amber gauges, the shape, and most of all, the sound of the 13b humming until he got on it, and then the mix of intake suction and gear whine as the car got up to speed. It was a special day for me, and started a love affair that has lasted the test of time.


During high school, my dad helped me find my own 1980 LS as a first car which I drove for many years through college and beyond. I kept that car for the longest time, and when my dad wanted to make space on the driveway, he offered this 1984 GSL-SE to me, and of course I jumped at it. It has served as a daily driver for decades, but the last 20 years have seen it repainted from beige to Chrome Yellow Clear coat (*Mazda code BZ21T), all of my autocross upgrades moved over to it, and it still passes inspection for emissions. At 221k miles, the original engine was dropping compression on all chambers, so I replaced it with an engine sourced from another SE from a member on this forum. Its now at 251,228 miles and gets driven at least weekly during the cooler months.

Here's a shot from a show & shine event held at a local Mazda dealer many years ago with the prior Kamei air dam and fog light setup;

I've also driven it to SevenStock20 a few years back, where it got a lot of interest from enthusiasts;

To commemorate the birthday of this car, I found that Bulova makes a leaded glass clock with a stand which will be engraved with my VIN, "40 Years of Rotoring", "Jan9, 1984 to Jan9, 2024";

Here's to the cars we grew up with, and special thanks to the forum members who've helped me keep this car running well. I've learned so much, and can only hope to return some of that insight and knowledge to the RX7Club community. Take care, and keep them on the road,

GtiKyle

iTrader: (5)

Really cool story, thanks for sharing. I love long term ownership, it adds a lot to the special nature of what these cars mean.

derSchwamm

iTrader: (1)

This is awesome! You have been a huge help to me on this forum since I got on it almost a decade ago.

My own GSL-SE also turns 40. Manufactured January 1984. Don't know the exact date though. I also bought it in January 2015 so I'm already at 9 years of ownership. Can't believe it's been that long

Toruki

That is fantastic! And thanks for all of your great advice over the years.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

Congrats and Happy Birthday to the SE. My original car turns 45 this year. Not sure of the exact build day but I still remember August 15th, 1979 as the day I met her for the first time and took delivery.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

I really enjoyed reading your thread and wanted to thank you for all of the useful knowledge and information that you've brought to this forum. I consider you one of our core members and I am proud to say that I've learned a lot from you and always appreciate your insightful posts.

In regards to your SE, I had no idea it was a Light Beige car originally! Do you have any pictures of the car when it was new? It must have been an incredible experience being there when your father bought the car new and brought it home. Hearing the engine rev for the first time must have been an incredible experience as well. Ive always loved the amber gauges as well. I remember the first time I saw an RX-7 on the road in the 80's. I was blown away by the car as a kid. Even now when i see one on the road, it makes me excited to see like a kid seeing an RX-7 for the first time.

midnight mechanic

220,000 miles? yours lost compression

coincidence, my oem engine went at 220,000 miles also