The first generation Mazda RX-7 was introduced in the US market in 1978
as a direct competitor to the 260Z, Celica GT, Mustang, Camaro, Porsche
924 etc. It had an excellent chassis and a free revving rotary engine
that made for a fantastic driving experience, but it was only available as a hardtop. However, a few lucky folks picked up a drop top version created by the Pacific Avatar company Garden Grove, CA. Find this 1979 Mazda RX-7 custom convertible
currently bidding for $1,025 on eBay with a few hours to go, located in Marne, MI.
This RX-7 ragtop is bidding for pennies because it is in pretty sorry shape. The right front fender is missing and most of the body panels look horrible, but with any luck the engine runs and the apex seals aren't shot.
The Mazda 12A 1.1 liter rotary engine puts out 100 horsepower in carburetor fed, in non-turbo trim. A rotary engine isn't a good choice for the average driver, but for those who love high revving fun, it is hard to beat. The exhaust note is muted stock, but opened up it sounds like a bag of marbles thrown into a blender.
See another cheap beaten up classic looking for a new owner to restore it? tips@dailyturismo.com
Kinda funny that there is a Miata lurking in the third photo.
ReplyDeleteThe brochure shown on the listing is nuts... needs to be a caption contest for the pic of the white one in the auction gallery, with the girl from that Quiet Riot video getting in the passenger seat... and check out the following brochure page claiming 307hp for this thing, a list price of $45K and a top speed of 167mph, faster than an M1 or a Countach.
ReplyDeleteHere's a caption: As she climbed into Mark's Pacific Avatar RX7, Susan could not help but notice the uneven panel gaps on the aftermarket trunk.
DeleteOr: (manly VoiceOver) "Whenever I take my mistress to the Palms Casino for a mid afternoon tryst, we always ride in style in my Pacific Avatar RX7."
Little did the poor guy know, that just like her passenger door's window, he too would soon be ....framed!
DeleteGood luck in a rollover.
ReplyDeleteThe shape of this has me drooling, I really like it. Otherwise I don't like it at all, ahhaha!
ReplyDeleteThis is the stuff that dreams are made of..."1,000 bucks. How could I go wrong? A trip to Pick-a-Part could fix that fender. A $1,000 paint job, a week-end or two to sort it and..." Must stop now before I talk myself into something I will, no doubt, deeply regret.
ReplyDelete