Live Your Twin Turbo Fantasy With This 1993 Mazda RX-7 R1

Just now, Mazda unveiled the RX-Vision concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, complete with ______, and crazy looking _____’s. Can’t wait to see if the _____ makes it into the production model, I guess we’ll just have to wait, and see! Before you start jumping to conclusions, remember that Mazda has managed to make all their cars enjoyable to drive, despite a lack of power across the lineup. Just because this new concept will only have ___hp, and ___lb-ft of torque, that doesn’t mean that it won’t be as much fun as the RX-7.

What’s that you say? You’d rather just have a twin-turbo FD generation RX-7? I can’t say I blame you, and it just so happens that I have the car for you.

For 1993, Mazda offered three trim levels to U.S. buyers on the RX-7, base, touring, and “R”. Unsurprisingly, “R” is the most desirable of the three, and consequently, the hardest to acquire. The value of a top notch example has spiked recently thanks to 90s nostalgia, and it’s not unheard of for them to fetch up to $30k. This particular example appears to be in good condition, however it has a number of modifications, and tasteful as they may be, modifications will always keep the price down. Anyone who tries to tell you different is living in denial, and most likely has a Stage II bugeye WRX that they’re holding onto “until the right buyer comes along”. It doesn’t matter if the aftermarket parts were professionally installed at the best shop in the country, mods are mods, and they don’t increase the value of a vehicle, especially not a modern classic like the RX-7.

Besides, this is an “R-1” RX-7 , meaning it came with factory enhancements, what more do you need? Okay, I guess a short throw shifter, upgraded intake, intercooler, and better brakes don’t hurt, but the R-1 was no slouch when it rolled off the assembly line. A stiffer suspension, aero package, additional (and much needed) engine oil-cooler, purple-ish microfiber seats, and Z-speed rated tires cost just an extra $2k. Ah man, if that doesn’t make you nostalgic for the early 90s, I don’t know what will. These days you’re lucky to get a sunroof, and infotainment package for $2k.

So, you could wait until 2017, and see what aspects of the RX-Vision make it into the production car, heck you might even be able to afford one seeing as how Mazda is well known for their wonderful sports car lease incentives. Alternatively, you could bid on this FD RX-7 R1, and be living your twin-turbo 90s Japanese sports car fantasy. The choice is yours, but with the growing nostalgia, and dwindling amount of clean examples, the window for getting a deal is quickly closing. You’ve seen what happened with 911s, and the same damn thing is going to happen with cream of the crop Japanese sports cars like the RX-7. Will there be some headaches? It’s a car with a twin turbo rotary engine, so headaches should go without saying. However, just like any other pure bred sports car, the Advil expenses are worth it in the end. You can have your Supras, NSXs, and 300ZXs, I’ll take the RX7- R1 any day. Here’s to being different, long live rotary engines!

1993 Mazda RX-7 R1

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