View Poll Results: Will the Rx7 ever become a classic?
Yes, they will become desired classics, and increase in value
284
80.68%
No, sentimental value does not have a book value!
68
19.32%
Voters: 352. You may not vote on this poll
Rx7 Future classic? or not?
#126
Senior Member
Its interesting to read this thread, I do see nice original or restored to stock RX7s coming up in value pretty soon, but there were so many built that I don't think they have the "aura" like some of the muscle cars do. Obviously the rare cars like the 12A turbo will be expensive, but probably not the other models unless it is super low miles and in great shape.
#128
Other than in a museum, are there any 90+% original, pristine cars out there?
As Freeskier said, there were a lot of them built. By my estimate, 4 times more than 911's built in the same time period. 911's of the above description are pretty plentiful. When I was looking for my RX7, a fair number were described as such, but upon inspection, they were not even in the zip code.
Another thing I believe (not) driving demand is the RX7 was overshadowed by a lot of other cars. Was there an iconic poster of a RX7 hanging in teenage boys rooms in the 1980's? Something the now 45 (+/-) year olds remember and want from their youth?
Just my thoughts. YMMV
As Freeskier said, there were a lot of them built. By my estimate, 4 times more than 911's built in the same time period. 911's of the above description are pretty plentiful. When I was looking for my RX7, a fair number were described as such, but upon inspection, they were not even in the zip code.
Another thing I believe (not) driving demand is the RX7 was overshadowed by a lot of other cars. Was there an iconic poster of a RX7 hanging in teenage boys rooms in the 1980's? Something the now 45 (+/-) year olds remember and want from their youth?
Just my thoughts. YMMV
Last edited by VeryRed997; 01-11-18 at 11:35 AM. Reason: spelling
#129
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
There are absolutely numerous 100% original low mile cars floating around. I keep seeing them. Mine was completely original with 20k on it 2 years ago. The only flaws were some minor scuffs in the paint (easily hidden by a good wax job), slightly faded interior parts, and a rip in the driver's seat piping. The major turn off is the poorly applied rust proofing (done by the dealer back in '85) which makes the engine bay look filthy. I drove it like that for about a year, then started adding parts to it. The suspension was the first to get upgraded, then the exhaust. I haven't touched the motor yet, mostly because I like having cruise control, but that'll come soon enough. I've got absolutely nothing against the resto-mod crowd. The mods won't add value, but they'll improve the driving experience. I've saved all the old parts...but I will likely never put them back on. Jump forward 2 years and dealers on Craigslist and eBay seem to think what I bought is worth double what I paid. I wouldn't pay that price for this car though. It's a fun car...within a certain price point. As VeryRed stated, it was never a poster car, it hasn't been immortalized by a movie, TV show or cartoon, and it was a parts-bin car that they sold a ton of. If I crash my car tomorrow, I can bring up Craigslist and find another. Until that changes, the values will stay reasonable.
#130
#131
seniorchief
Hagerty's' Classic Car Insurance valuations for 1979-1985 first generation Mazda RX-7's
#1 Concours Condition: $17,300 for 1979, $16,300 for 1985
#2 Excellent Condition: $10,300 for 1979, $9,400 for 1985
#3 Good Conditon: $4,400 for a 1979, $4000 for a 1985
#4 Fair Condition: $2,500 for a 1979, $2,200 for a 1985
The prices are consistently in the same ballpark for the 1980-1984 years as well. The 1979 RX-7 valued was the GS model whereas the 1985 model was the base model for valuation purposes so depending on trim level I imagine these prices would vary somewhat. However, in the final analysis what a particular car is worth is what someone is willing to pay for it, not what some third party says it's worth. After spending the past ten years trying to avoid texting drivers and soccer moms with urban assault vehicles I decided that driving my 32 year old RX-7 with just liability wasn't going to cut it anymore. I was able to get my 1985 GSL-SE insured for $15,000 which make it less stressful driving when I do take it out.
#1 Concours Condition: $17,300 for 1979, $16,300 for 1985
#2 Excellent Condition: $10,300 for 1979, $9,400 for 1985
#3 Good Conditon: $4,400 for a 1979, $4000 for a 1985
#4 Fair Condition: $2,500 for a 1979, $2,200 for a 1985
The prices are consistently in the same ballpark for the 1980-1984 years as well. The 1979 RX-7 valued was the GS model whereas the 1985 model was the base model for valuation purposes so depending on trim level I imagine these prices would vary somewhat. However, in the final analysis what a particular car is worth is what someone is willing to pay for it, not what some third party says it's worth. After spending the past ten years trying to avoid texting drivers and soccer moms with urban assault vehicles I decided that driving my 32 year old RX-7 with just liability wasn't going to cut it anymore. I was able to get my 1985 GSL-SE insured for $15,000 which make it less stressful driving when I do take it out.
#132
Seniorchief, I don't doubt your numbers in the least. But I looked for 6 months before buying what I would consider a "Good" level car. I was more than prepared spend up to $10k but couldn't find anything that resembled a $10k car. Where are such cars? I watched BAT, Craigslist and Classic Autotrader.
#133
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
But the 240z got there a decade earlier with a purpose built sports car that made big power for the time period and handled like a dream. The Cosmo 110 (as prices show) got their first too. The 1st gen RX7 is a GLC with shitty steering, a sleeker body and whacky low powered motor. It sure did win a lot of races, and cars that have documented wins will certainly be worth coin (that Spa 24hr winner for example), but you'll have trouble getting people excited about 100hp base model 15 years from now. You'd have the same luck holding on to a Mustang II.
#135
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
An early 240z (early 70s) ranges in value for a good to a mint condition from 35K to 60K. Thats from Hagertys value guide. The last 280z (around 1980) goes for around 10K. We are seeing SAs now going for 5 - 10K, so not far off the mark for their contemporary 280z brothers.
#136
seniorchief
Seniorchief, I don't doubt your numbers in the least. But I looked for 6 months before buying what I would consider a "Good" level car. I was more than prepared spend up to $10k but couldn't find anything that resembled a $10k car. Where are such cars? I watched BAT, Craigslist and Classic Autotrader.
#137
Great story Chief! Right place at the right time is always the way to go.
But 1994 was 23-24 years ago and I bet there were a lot more unmolested cars then. So, for the moment, let's forget finding/buying one. Let me rephrase my question. How would the forum define an excellent to concours level car? In other words, if you were heading out, cash in hand, to buy an excellent to concours car, what would it have to look like?
For example, is original paint required? Is the original numbers matching engine required?
But 1994 was 23-24 years ago and I bet there were a lot more unmolested cars then. So, for the moment, let's forget finding/buying one. Let me rephrase my question. How would the forum define an excellent to concours level car? In other words, if you were heading out, cash in hand, to buy an excellent to concours car, what would it have to look like?
For example, is original paint required? Is the original numbers matching engine required?
#138
Out In the Barn
iTrader: (9)
Great story Chief! Right place at the right time is always the way to go.
But 1994 was 23-24 years ago and I bet there were a lot more unmolested cars then. So, for the moment, let's forget finding/buying one. Let me rephrase my question. How would the forum define an excellent to concours level car? In other words, if you were heading out, cash in hand, to buy an excellent to concours car, what would it have to look like?
For example, is original paint required? Is the original numbers matching engine required?
But 1994 was 23-24 years ago and I bet there were a lot more unmolested cars then. So, for the moment, let's forget finding/buying one. Let me rephrase my question. How would the forum define an excellent to concours level car? In other words, if you were heading out, cash in hand, to buy an excellent to concours car, what would it have to look like?
For example, is original paint required? Is the original numbers matching engine required?
You see a few of these ultra low mile every once in a while. Be prepared to pay $10,000- $20,000.
Excellent has a wider range. In my view again, excellent can be great paint, respray is ok but I prefer cars that haven't been resprayed. mid mile 50-100k+, weekend driver that has no major issues. Engine bay, interior, etc should all be sorted. I prefer original but things like new seat covers, carpet, etc are ok. Rehab of engine parts is ok. Things like powder coated, painted parts is ok. I could be biased for the definition of Excellent. Here is my engine bay. I consider it Excellent even though it has most of the stock parts, they have been rehabbed to my task. I say be prepared to spend $5,000-10,000.
Last edited by KansasCityREPU; 01-13-18 at 09:29 AM.
#140
This looks like a really clean GSL-SE. Maybe it is known to the board?
What do you think it will go for?
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...rx-7-gsl-se-5/
What do you think it will go for?
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...rx-7-gsl-se-5/
Last edited by VeryRed997; 02-06-18 at 10:51 AM. Reason: Spelling
#144
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
Lots of attention and ended with a bidding war. I'm really not sure BaT is the best indicator for the market. Sometimes people pay no attention, other times they go bonkers. That car was not in great shape...but alas, makes me feel good I picked mine up 2 years ago and I have a number of years of driving it before I'll hit that mileage.
#145
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Join Date: Sep 2017
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Seniorchief, I don't doubt your numbers in the least. But I looked for 6 months before buying what I would consider a "Good" level car. I was more than prepared spend up to $10k but couldn't find anything that resembled a $10k car. Where are such cars? I watched BAT, Craigslist and Classic Autotrader.
#146
Junior Member
Definitely, and here's why:
1. The RX-7 basically enjoyed the same enthusiastic welcome to the market that the 240Z received. There was a 3 to 6 month waiting list.
2. Good ones are getting hard to find. Even though Mazda sold boatloads of them, they were cheap and people trashed them unfortunately.
3. It was one of the last truly analog sports cars. I mean, carbs in 1985?! Solid rear axle?! Recirculating Ball steering?! The FB was a throwback even new!
4. The rotary engine. The engine is truly unique, and quite possibly extinct (hope not).
5. Mazda is on the comeback trail. When new cars do well, normally people start looking at the older models. Look what happened to the 911, or even the NA Miata after the ND came out. I believe if the Renesis was more reliable, older rotary cars would already be racing up in value.
2. Good ones are getting hard to find. Even though Mazda sold boatloads of them, they were cheap and people trashed them unfortunately.
3. It was one of the last truly analog sports cars. I mean, carbs in 1985?! Solid rear axle?! Recirculating Ball steering?! The FB was a throwback even new!
4. The rotary engine. The engine is truly unique, and quite possibly extinct (hope not).
5. Mazda is on the comeback trail. When new cars do well, normally people start looking at the older models. Look what happened to the 911, or even the NA Miata after the ND came out. I believe if the Renesis was more reliable, older rotary cars would already be racing up in value.
#147
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Join Date: Feb 2008
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Al I can add is....I have an '85 GSL-SE. It is pretty much all original and well maintained. It is not a restored show car. It looks great on the road or from 15 feet away, but has many flaws that any 33 year old car would. That said, not a week goes by that I don't get a thumbs up, or a comment from a toll collector, etc. Does any of that translate into market value? I don't know. I have said for years that it's time to sell my baby (it's just not fun to drive anymore), but I still hold onto it. Maybe next year???? Unfortunately, I just don't think that RX-7's ever captured the imagination of American enthusiasts. I have never seen one at a car show. At the big annual car show in my town there were several old "Z" cars. One 3rd gen RX-7. No first gens. I have not seen a first gen on the road (in New Jersey) in many years. I spent several months recently in California and only saw one (a piece of junk) on the road there. Someday I will sell my baby, and I will find out what it is worth.
#148
I just bought a 100k mile 85 GSL-SE for $500.
Car is in pretty good shape, spent it's whole life in WA and OR. Engine didn't run, but compression is good, it was literally 90 degrees out of time (pulley on wrong way).
So all in all the deals are still out there.
Car is in pretty good shape, spent it's whole life in WA and OR. Engine didn't run, but compression is good, it was literally 90 degrees out of time (pulley on wrong way).
So all in all the deals are still out there.
#149
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
I may have said this above, but these cars are just too common and were marketed toward the average consumer. They will retain value and probably increase with the market/inflation, but a switch isn't going to turn and all of a sudden make them worth big money. Drive it, enjoy it, and care for it. If you're looking for an investment, look elsewhere. Cars that sky rocket in value were never cheap to begin with.