Rare Mazda RX-7 SP excites collectors

• Rare RX-7 SP Homologation model

• One owner, 22,700km from new

• Very collectible classic with International appeal

An ultra-rare, very low kilometre 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP Coupe already has Japanese and GT car collectors excited before it is offered with ‘no reserve’ at Shannons Melbourne Spring Sale on Monday (September 19).

This one owner, very low km 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP is expected to sell in the $45,000-$55,000 range when it is offered with ‘no reserve’ at Shannons Melbourne Spring Auction on Monday (September 19).

The stunning Montego Blue Pearl one-owner-from new coupe is one of just 25 genuine RX-7 SPs built initially in Australia in 1995 to qualify the model for Australian GT Production Car racing, in which its principal rival was Porsche.

Developed by racing guru and Mazda Racing Team Manager Allan Horsley, the SP featured some 60 performance modifications over the standard RX-7 of the day.

The performance of the Mazda RX-7 SP was enhanced by engine modifications that boosted power of its rotary engine to 204kW and 357Nm.

These included a different intercooler, a modified exhaust and a new ECU that together resulted in a substantial power increase to 204 kW and 357 Nm.

Other changes included bigger brakes, special 17-inch alloy wheels, a larger 110-litre carbon fuel cell and 4.3:1 ratio rear differential.

A significant weight reduction was achieved by using Recaro race seats, a lightweight bonnet, plus a carbon-fibre nose, front spoiler and a dramatic rear wing.

Just 25 Mazda RX-7 SPs were built in Sydney by Allan Horsley in 1995 to qualify the model for Australian GT Production Racing, with each distinguished by its carbon-fibre nose, front spoiler and a dramatic rear wing.

The SP proved very successful for Mazda, beating the new Porsche 911 RS CS at Sydney’s Eastern Creek and backing this up with a podium finish in Targa Tasmania.

However the extra performance didn’t come cheaply and the SP’s asking price was a hefty $101,610, compared with the standard RX-7’s $89,505. As a result, surviving examples are coveted collectors’’ items today.

With just 22,700km travelled over the past 20 years – mostly at weekends – Shannons believe the one owner from new example being sold on Monday’s auction is one of the nicest SPs available on the market today.

Appealingly, it is being offered with ‘no reserve’ and is expected to appeal to an International audience at its guiding range of $45,000-$55,000.

View all September 19 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction Lots

Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.