Hey guys,

I do not own an RX-7 yet but there is one in my area thats a 1985 FB GSL which the yard is asking 1800. However, based on the pics and some other circumstances I dont think I'd ever want to pay near that. Ill post the pics below but heres the thoughts. The car does not have a key so I would not be able to test compression or hear it. The location its at had a fire so they lost the title (they said theyd file and get it for me for $400 more or if I went the haggle route they would give me the bill of sale and I'd have to go through that process). The interior looks in terrible shape and the exterior looks totally good expect for the worn paint (id want a different color anyways). It seems like it would be a massive project and since I already have a reliable car that's fine but I thought I would get your guys take. I'm in Phoenix so if theres a good support system here (tuners, engine shops, etc) let me know. I'm guessing it wouldnt be worth it for more than 1200(?) but please give me your feedback. I might check out tomorrow the shape its in to see if theres rust (if there isnt that may be worth paying more) and general state its in.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips. If the price is right I'd love to join this community as I hear it's a really welcoming one.

 

Honestly, that's probably a $500 car. I've seen $2k cars that run and drive with a complete interior. The FB isn't super rare, so I would personally pass unless they damn near give it to you with a title and key.

That car will sit a long time at the price in my opinion.

 

Without a title I'd stay away. Like stated, it's a $500 car as it sits. Even with a title, if the engine isn't in good starting and running condition, it's only worth its parts.

I stay away from non-title cars unless I only need the parts.

 

on marketplace a guy is selling a roller 83 GSLE which seems to have a great body and a 85 gs with fire damage but a seemingly working engine (i would assume 12a?). Neither of them have much of an interior he says but theyre both AZ owned cars (so no rust) and he wants both of them gone for $700 total (clean title on the good body 83). Worth it? (my hope i think is to build an FB turbo'd 13b)

 

stop looking at trash. if you want a fist gen, find one that doesn't comes with a bunch of conditions

 

Even if im fully aware that im looking for a project?

 

The issue with cars like this that are to be driven on the street, by the time you make it what you want, many times you could take all the money you would sink into it and buy something nicer for the same price.

 

You could jump the starter motor to see compression if you have a good battery.

 

I've owned and have been working on RX-7's for almost 30 years and never have I seen an S3 with seats that have fallen apart like that. This was a leather interior car and you can expect some degradation and cracking and even ripping...but the neglect that had to have taken place for the seats, door panels, and dash to disintegrate is mind blowing! I know you state that the car is in AZ, but still. I've had FB's from the south with peeling dashboards but that dash is completely destroyed. So given the state of the interior, the obvious neglect, lost title, lost key, and unknown running condition, the car is worth scrap value. I would do as the other have suggested and pass. Unless you get the car cheap and plan to use it as a parts car. Otherwise, its not worth the purchase price

 

I think we're not even in specific RX7 question territory here.

If you're looking for a project to strip down to a bare chassis and start over, this is a "meh" starting point.

If you're looking for more of a resto-mod project that you can have running and driving in somewhat short order, this is not it. That entire interior is mangled and is trash. Plus you have paperwork headaches, key headaches AND you have no idea of the mechanicals. It's 40 years old, looks unrestored and neglected, so it needs EVERYTHING. Fluids, hoses, seals etc etc. Best rule of thumb/advice I've ever heard for buying projects is to buy the best one you can. Everything you're starting from will be from a better starting point. True for cars, motorcycles, boats, houses...

I've been watching and reading about restorations and vehicles and prices for quite a while. The reality is you can dump 50k into this car and it will be worth 15k. The rule most car buyers in the vintage car sphere live by is, "buy the car someone else spent big money restoring - you'll always come out ahead".

If I were you, I'd look for a better chassis to start a project from, but stay connected to these guys. Maybe they'll want to sell it for cheap and you can use it for parts.