Here’s a chance to get your hands on one of the most desirable sports cars ever made, the Mazda RX-7.
And not just any RX-7, but the ultimate version, the so-called “Batmobile” third generation — Spirit R ‘Type A’.
Launched in 1991, it is a bona fides supercar, combining sublime handling, excellent braking and strong acceleration.
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 RX-7’s swansong was the hugely collectible Spirit R, a Japanese market only model built in limited numbers with all the best bits – and sold in three distinct versions.
- The Type A featured five-speed manual transmission and lightweight Recaro seats
- The Type B added 2+2 seating configuration
- The Type C came exclusively with automatic transmission
Mazda made just 1504 Spirit Rs, of which the majority were sold in Type A guise, all in right-hand drive configuration.
Nominally rated at 2o5kW, notable features included the forged BBS 17-inch wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers, hard-type torsion LSD, plus cross-drilled brake rotors with red calipers and twin oil coolers.
Exterior changes included special badging and the front diffuser.
Inside benefited from a Nardi leather steering wheel and stitched gear shifter and handbrake, silver instrument bezels and the special Kevlar Recaro seats.
Seen by many as the ultimate production RX-7, values of the Spirit R have climbed in recent years and Japanese sports cars of the 1990s are hotter than ever in the marketplace right now.
Shannons is auctioning this limited edition 2002 model RX-7 – build number 1007 of 1500 made – is presented in immaculate signature Titanium Grey paint combined with red Recaro seats.
It is a very clean and clearly well-maintained car, with its the odometer reading just over 70,000km at the time of cataloguing.
Easily reversible modifications include an aftermarket gear shift knob and handbrake handle, while the exterior has had side skirts and rear mudflaps added but retains the original front splitter and rear wing.
Undoubtedly one of the best looking Japanese sports cars of the era, the Spirit R is fantastic fun to drive and is in great mechanical condition, expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $90,000-$110,000 range.
The car will be auctioned on line from Tuesday, April 13-20.
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