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2022 Shannons Spring Timed Online Auction
Lot
219

1992 Mazda RX-7 FD Series 6 Coupe

$40,500

Sydney

Sold

Specifications

Engine Twin-rotor, 1300cc twin turbo
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Body Work Coupe
Colour Vintage Red
Interior Black
Trim Leather
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Discs

Auction
Notice (Form 11)

Description

This lot is no longer available

Mazda is the only major automotive manufacturer to have persisted with Felix Wankel’s revolutionary rotary engine design and early models like the Cosmo, R100 and RX2/RX3 enjoy a cult following today. It took until the launch of a proper sports car, the RX-7, in 1978 for the rotary to find a chassis more suited to its high-revving characteristics; the first generation model received rave reviews and proved a commercial success, with over half a million sold. The second generation RX-7 of 1985-1991 took Mazda’s sports car further upmarket, competing with the likes of Porsche’s 944 thanks to clever technology and the first appearance of a turbo variant. When Mazda unveiled the third generation RX-7 in 1991, it was clear the model had come a long way from its humble roots, harnessing a complex sequential twin turbo system to overcome lag and deliver linear power all the way to the redline. With perfect 50:50 weight distribution achieved by locating the engine well behind the front axle, the new FD RX-7 also looked the part, with bold new styling that has only got better with age. The third generation RX-7 was a bone fide supercar, combining sublime handling, excellent braking and strong acceleration. Built across three distinct series, the original Series 6 ran from December 1991 until December 1995, the Series 7 lasted until December 1998 and the final Series 8 until August 2002. Driven by the high asking price, the number of FD RX-7s sold in Australia was always comparitively small – over the seven years it was on sale here only once did Mazda manage to sell more than 100 cars (in 1992) and less than 450 were delivered here new. Colour choices were limited to black, blue, red, silver or white and the car was priced at $73,000 in 1992, about half the price of a European competitor like Porsche’s 968. Ironically it’s the Japanese car that’s now more valuable in the Australian market, confirming the strength of both the rotary and Japanese classic car markets in general.