Here are the stats for the FD RX-7 sales for those that wanted to know. Straight from Mazda Japan.

Series-6.........( Oct-91 - Dec-95 ) = 45,596

Series-7.........( Jan-96 - Nov-98 ) = 09,754

Series-8.........( Dec-98 - Aug-02 )= 12,951

FD RX-7 total...............................= 69,301

This is total sales for export & domestic versions..............

Sounds a lot until you learn Mazda did 811,000 RX-7s in total.

The series-6 was exported through out the world, (hence its higher sales figures).
The series-7 was Japan & Australia only
The series-8 was Japan only.

Best sales year was 1992...........26,899. Released onto the world stage that year.
Biggest contrast was 1993...........6,801. Approximately a 75% drop in sales. That signed the (export) death warrant for the end of the series-6 production run.

 

Thanks for the numbers. That was some really cool stuff to know. I wish that the series 7's and 8's were imported into the U.S.!! Laterz.

Zach

 

Why was the FD series such a sales drop over the earlier FC series.....?

 

the FD is like a great work of art...people only appreciate it after its death....

 

Thats ok, that means they'll be around for a looong time.

 

I think that the reason sales dropped was price. But also, 1993 was a bad year for Porsche too. So, maybe it was the impracticality of a two seater/insurance costs (plus a lot of really stupid consumers). What has sold really well since '92? Pick-ups, SUVs, and BIGGER vehicles. Just my $.02.

 

Plan & simple, the FD series was overpriced.

(based on current exchange rates)

To start with the Aussie version. In 1992, the FD was US $48,000 before hitting US$58,000 in 94 through to 98.

Compare that to the same car in Japan. 1991, the FD was US $29,600 dropping to US $ 28,800 in 94

Compare again to the same car in USA. In 1992, the FD was US $28,000 (I think) rising to US $34,000 by 94.

Not 100% sure on the USA prices sorry.

Either way, the FD series was a fantastic sports car & an instant legend, but it alienated many previous buyers as it was less practical, less room, harsher to ride & more tempremental. You just have to find some 1992 US car magazines. They all rave about it but do touch on those above issues aswell as the pricing.

Having said that, it hasn't stopped me from owning a 2000 model "series-8".....

 

The Fd may have been overpriced but, compared to its competition, it was a bargan. Also those damn SUV'S stared to take over.

 

Yes I agreed, compared to the competition it was a bargain. I remeber when the RX7 first stared selling in Toronto it cost a few thousand C$ less than a BMW 325is. Which is around C$36,000 for a RX7 and the 325is is around C$42,000 (all based on my memory from 10 yrs ago). And the MR2 was around C$29,000 and the Supra comes in abit later and was about C$45,000. Oh forgot to mention the NSX which was around C$64,000. I would picked the 7 anytime.

 

I think the 69,000 number is very fitting

Is it just me but doesn't 69 put up all the freaking time in everyday things?

David
[born '69 - Year of the Gifted]