1985 Mazda RX-7

GSL-SE Coupe

Unspecified

Manual

JM1FB3321F0898958

Clear

Gasoline

This is an original Generation 1 Rx-7 GSL-SE, the most desireable and elusive of the first generation RX-7's. I purchased this car last summer from the original owner. It has been well cared for all it's life, never modified or abused. It was undercoated when new and has never been in an accident. No rust, no hits, extremely rare in this vintage. The original owner is a lady who is now the CFO for my employer. She wasn't using the car much, it was taking up garage space and she wanted to let it go. When I bought the car, it needed a new steering gearbox, which I bought in new condition from Mazdatrix in Long Beach, CA. and installed myself. I am a 30 year licensed aircraft mechanic, and no stranger to restoring automobiles. This car only needed minor mechanical attention. I tuned it up with new spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fluids, hoses, throttle position sensor, water temperature sensor, thermostat, tires and the most notable upgrade, the wheels. These are the original rims that came on the car, an option unique to the GSL-SE. I sent the wheels to Detroit Wheel and tire and had them recut on the laser etching machine and trued. The surface clear coat had deteriorated and caused some surface corrosion in spots, all traces gone now. The rims look absolutely new. They were not recoated with clear.The tires are brand new proper size Sumitomo HTR 200. The air conditioning needs to be recharged, I didn't do that after I completed the steering gearbox change. Everything else down to the clock works as advertised, An amazing historic piece and a lot of car for very little money by todays standards. Identifying the Elusive GSL-SEThey all have the GSL-SE badge clearly on the back left side, but the unique features are worth pointing out...The engine is entirely unique to the GSL-SE. It's neither the same as the '86 on, nor the earlier 13B used in RX-4's and rotary pickups. The intake section is the most unique. It has a rectangular plenum (not rounded) with the letters RE-EGI deeply carved in the aluminum.Aluminum wheels with 12 spoke design that is flush with the tires was standard on all GSL-SE's, seen on the cover of all '84-'85 owner's manuals.The A/C compressor is smaller and lighter than the compressor used on any other '79-'85 Rx-7, also a different manufacturer. P/S was an option, this car does not have.The transmission has different gearing in 5th and can be identified externally by one tiny feature. It has a clutch vent in the side of the bell housing which can be seen if you look into the engine bay from the passenger side. The differential also has a different ring and pinion than the GSL, but the same LSD unit and housing.Rear Brake calipers are larger than the GSL rear calipers, and it has vented discs at all 4 corners.3 piece stereo with graphic EQ standard, and the funny autopilot joystick in the center console. Even at this age, it sounds better than a CD playing in an R1/R2/base 3rd gen. On May-01-10 at 20:36:36 PDT, seller added the following information: I've received a number of questions in the first few hours of the auction regarding the reserve price. Since this is an auction, I would like to let it run, so please don't send emails asking me to disclose the reserve. If you're truly interested in the car, please bid on it and the reserve will be known to everyone at the same time. I will tell you the reserve is very reasonable.I will consider serious offers, no trades please. For the record, the car looks amazing in the photos. A Nikon D70, the right light and a great setting will make all the difference. Let's not forget this car is 25 years old. It has paint chips, minor dings, all the things a car of this age will inherit. It is a rare find and extremely well kept for it's age, but it is not perfect. I've not seen one anywhere in this condition for a very long time. This is a very low mileage example, most of the ones I've seen for sale have in excess of 100k miles. The way it runs and drives will impress anyone who knows these 1st generation Rx7's. The car is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end the auction early.I sincerely appreciate your interest.On May-02-10 at 14:21:30 PDT, seller added the following information: Many questions about the color...The color as noted on the original window sticker, (which I have included a photo of), says "Royal Maroon Metallic" More information as listed on the window sticker:5 Speed manual transmissionAM/FM ETR Stereo Radio w/cassette deck 9 band graphic equalizer14 inch Pirelli P6 radial tires (replaced with Sumitomo as previously noted)Aluminum wheelsLift up/Removable Sunroof (protective carry bag is in the car)Air conditioningPower windowsCruise controlVentilated rear disc brakesRear window wiper/washerDriver seat height adjusterPower antenna (has been replaced with non power unit)Full cut pile carpetingReclining bucket seatsAdjustable headrestsDriver seat lumbar adjusterTachometerTrip odometerLeather packagePlush floor matsDual electric door mirrorsRemote hatch lid releaseHalogen headlamps (these have been upgraded to modern Hella halogen reflector lamps with replaceable bulbs) the old ones were sealed beam typeIlluminated driver door lockIlluminated ignition cylinderCargo area lightMap lightDriver footrestGlove box with lockFull consoleDual storage with locks and lightsDoor map pocketsBody side mouldingsIntermittent windshield wipersFront side window demistersTinted glassDigital clockHeater/defroster There are no mechanical issues that would prevent this car from being driven across country.This car does NOT have power steering.Please read the ad before you send me an email.Thanks