Duckson Garage: 1981 Mazda RX-7

Duckson Garage: 1981 Mazda RX-7

If you’ve been hunting for a clean, well-sorted first-gen RX-7, this one ticks all the right boxes. For sale is a 1981 Mazda RX-7 Series 2, registered and ready to go.

This is a car that’s been kept right – garaged all its life, never in an accident, and rust-free throughout. It’s been given thoughtful updates and quality parts without losing the period-correct feel that makes early RX-7s so special. Even the sticker decals just work perfectly with the vintage white paintwork. Speaking of...

Exterior

The RX-7 wears a period-correct white respray, done about seven years ago by the previous owner, and it still presents beautifully. The body is straight, clean, and benefits from some well-chosen styling touches - rear spoiler, Mariah-style bumper & skirts, flares and a few other tasteful touches.

It’s a sharp, purposeful look that’s in keeping with the car’s late-70s/early-80s spirit.


Wheels & Adjacent

Underneath, everything has been kept fresh and functional, making this RX-7 drive as good as it looks. Brakes, suspension, bushings and bearings have all be sorted to OEM spec or improved. 

The wheels are special - Dunlop Javelin TE-E wheels, with a custom spec and wrapped in fairly fresh Nankang rubber,

The stance is spot-on, with the hardware to back it up. Really dig the way this car looks on road.

Driveline

Where this RX-7 really shines is under the bonnet. It’s running a freshly built 13B Bridgeport, fed by a Weber 48 IDA and K&N filter. The motor has less than 1000km on it, with a full receipt-backed rebuild by Kevin at Mazcare. Build highlights include reconditioned rotor housings (nitride coated) and 3mm apex seals.

If that's not enough, heavy duty clutch, new master/slave cylinders, fuel pump and a locked series 3 diff are all great upgrades that improve the driveability. 

 

Interior

Inside, the car keeps its original brown carpet interior, which has survived in excellent condition alongside the (unbelievably) uncracked dash.

The drivers seat is a nice place to be - bucket is a Bride Zeta IV Low Max, and steering input through a Nardi ND Classic 360mm.

It’s a simple, driver-focused cabin that blends original charm with a few tasteful OEM+ style upgrades.

Imperfections

The only real blemish is a small paint chip on the rear bumper near the exhaust. Otherwise, the car presents very well inside and out.


The Drive

With its fresh 13B bridgeport, sorted suspension, and rare period wheels, this RX-7 is everything you want in a first-gen Mazda – raw, responsive, and an absolute riot to drive. The chassis shows 209,000km, but the drivetrain is essentially brand new, making it a fantastic choice for getting into the RX-7 market.

Listed at $54,000 AUD on the Sunshine Coast, which although at the higher end is deserving of this asking price due to condition and work.

Interested? Reach out here.

 

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