In the world of the Mazda RX-7, the “FD” model — which was sold in the U.S. from 1993 to 1995 — is king. It’s a beautiful vehicle, and it commands prices well north of $20,000 in perfect condition. But if you’re a fan of the not-quite-so-loved “FB” model (sold from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s), then this is the car for you.
Offered by Morrie’s Mazda in the Minneapolis area, this 1985 RX-7 has traveled just 31,000 miles from new. It’s finished in light blue — “Ocean Blue Metallic,” according to Morrie’s — and it looks completely original, with the description noting just two owners and storage in a climate-controlled garage since new. The description also notes a near-perfect interior, which is certainly true: The gray cloth seats look barely worn, and the dashboard, gauges and switches are in excellent shape.
The Carfax report backs up the mileage, noting the car had already traveled 26,000 miles by 1992 — meaning it’s done just 4,000 miles in the last 25 years. It appears the second owner purchased the car in 2006 and barely added any miles in the ensuing decade.
Of course, some enthusiasts may scoff at this RX-7 — despite its time-capsule status — because of the thing in between the seats: an automatic transmission, rather than the car-enthusiast-desired stick shift. But no fear: Morrie’s Mazda also happens to have a stick-shift 1982 RX-7 in similarly well-preserved condition, with just under 48,000 original miles. The best part: Both cars are under $10,000, with the automatic available for $9,499, and the manual offered for $8,999. Indeed, the “FB” is the RX-7 whose time as a valuable classic car has not yet arrived. Find a 1985 Mazda RX-7 for sale
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Having had an ’85 GSL 5-speed at one point… the real trick on these is to change the oil filter without making the biggest mess known to man.
My dad had one of those when he was dating my mom.