1979 Mazda RX-7

Convertible

12A Rotary

Manual

SA22C546393

Clear

Gasoline

This is a rare and early Pacific Avatar convertible conversion of a 1979 RX7. The following is excerpted from Car Pictures. From 1979 to 1985, Al Dooley, owner of Pacific Avatar, converted the first generation of RX-7 into convertibles. He had been working as a sales manager at a Mazda dealership and decided the new RX-7 would be a natural for conversion into convertibles. After jigging and strengthening the body with framing under the floor pan, inside, and in the windshield posts, custom convertible tops were installed. Some were sold with standard mechanical equipment but many had turbocharged engines, modified suspensions and brakes, and custom wheels and wider tires. The conversions also got extra publicity when one appeared in the low budget film, 'Smokey Bites the Dust'. First-generation cars were converted as late as 1988 with the last going to a doctor in Baltimore, Maryland. Although many were sold in California, Florida was the biggest market for Pacific Avatar's convertible RX-7s. In all, Dooley reports that 126 conversions were performed. This car has 88,167 miles on it. I bought it intending to restore it with my young son. Some work has been done on the passenger side front area but the care has sat in storage the last five years. It will start with starter fluid and the engine has only a few thousand miles on it after a rebuild. The cloth top seems to be in very good shape though the framing needs some replacement parts made. Structurally, the car is very solid. As you can see from the photos there is no evidence of rot. The door pillers, a known weak point on these cars, are solid. I've included quote a few photos but if you're seriously interested contact me and I'll take photos specifically at your request. This car also comes with a '79 parts car; the interior of which is in very good shape EXCEPT for a torn rear panel on one of the seats. I also have replacement front fenders. This car can be brought back to a beautiful condition and I'm unaware of needing anything else that these two cars don't have. Obviously, it needs lots of work to do so.