Description

Model History

After being in production for more than 24 years, Mazda signified the end of the RX-7 nameplate and production with the limited edition ‘Spirit R’ – released in 2002, specifically for the Japanese market. Unique features to Spirit R models included interior panels finished in soft coating, a Nardi leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, handbrake lever and shift boot featuring red stitching, red brake calipers, front strut tower bars, 17” aluminium BBS Wheels (finished in gun-metallic or silver), as well as ‘Spirit R’ exclusive emblem and details on the exterior/interior. In addition, the more desirable, performance-focused ‘Type-A’ model featured red Recaro bucket seats – reducing the overall weight by 10 kg. Performance wise, Spirit Rs featured larger drilled brake discs for better braking performance and stainless mesh brake hoses (exclusive to the Type-A) and specially made Bilstein dampers. Only 1,500 examples were ever made, and all powered by the last iteration of Mazda’s turbocharged rotary engine: the 13B-REW.

History File

Featured here is a 2003 Mazda RX7 FD3S Spirit R Type A, finished in Pure White. Being a ‘Type A’ model, this RX7 Spirit R possesses a pair of unique red Recaro bucket seats, larger drilled brake discs, as well as stainless mesh brake hoses. This example was imported from Japan and arrived in Hong Kong in 2019. It has received a complete rebuild of its 1.3L 13B Wankel Rotary engine by HK rotary specialist GP Garage Motors in Yuen Long – the full invoice detailing all of the work carried out by them in January 2022 will be provided. In addition, this Spirit R has received a full service in December 2021 by Turn 3 Performance Ltd. in Sha Tin – consisting of an engine oil change (with filter), a full spark plug replacement, transmission fluid replacement, rear differential fluid replacement, repairing the right rear upper arm bolts, as well as an alignment. Turn 3 Performance Ltd. also carried out a full exterior respray of this car into its original Pure White paint finish, installed a matching front fender, as well as aligning all of the front exterior section bumper/bonnet/fenders) – the invoices break down all of the work they did will be provided. The only modifications that have been done on this example include a G-Face exhaust, as well as a dual-purpose dash cam-rear view mirror installed in the interior. Aside from these changes, all of the original Spirit R body parts and interior details have all been kept. The odometer currently reads 3,993km which is the mileage acquired since its engine rebuild, the body is reported to have approximately 100,000km mileage – it has had only one previous owner and its current road license is valid until 29th November, 2022.

Exterior 

Upon visual inspection, we found the Pure White paint finish – preserved in all of its original form to be in excellent condition with no paint flaking, scratches, or imperfections of any kind to report of. The work this car received on its exterior was done professionally with no panels out of alignment or signs of overspray. The front bumper (including its front spoiler), side skirts, and rear bumper are free of any imperfections – as well as the rear spoiler. Both doors, the front hood, and rear hatch open and close normally – no corrosion or patina was visible on their hinges or latches. All four BBS wheels, specially made for Spirit R models are in excellent condition and free of any kerb rash. All of the original rubber window trim is present with no blemishes in any of the pieces. The front headlights. rear tail lights, and side markers work normally – the RX7’s unique front pop-up headlights also raise up and down without issues and illuminate through their respective switch. All of the original ‘Spirit R’ badges, as well as the Mazda logos have been preserved with none missing from the exterior.

Interior and Trim

Look inside and a classic RX-7 FD3S interior greets you – sporting several unique features that distinct this limited edition model from a regular FD3S. Both of the original Spirit-R exclusive red Recaro bucket seats are pristine with no surface tears or damage on their carbon fibre backs – within their lifetime the outer section has been reupholstered. The plastic dashboard and all of its surrounding trim is free of any scratches or cracks. The steering wheel is in excellent condition with no peeling upholstery surfaces The leather gear shift and handbrake boot are in excellent condition – their red stitching details have been well preserved as well as both of their metal lever surfaces. The instrument cluster and all of its chrome trim, as well as the prominent tachometer in the centre with the ‘Spirit R’ logo is in excellent condition – none of the chrome trim has worn off and all of the dials operate normally. Both side door sills and scuff plates with ‘RX7’ emblems are free of any scratches. All three pedals’ surfaces are fully intact; the interior carpeting in the footwells and rear trunk area are free of any signs of hard use. The aftermarket rear-view mirror dash cam functions normally and its touchscreen UI works without any issues. All of the buttons and switchgear have no worn off trim and all feel solid to touch and use. All three gauges in the lower centre dashboard have no surface damage and operate normally when the power is switched on.

Engine and Running Gear

Starting up the RX7’s signature piece, its 13B-REW Wankel Rotary engine is a trouble free experience with no smoke or concerning noises to report of, thanks to the extensive work it has received from its complete rebuild. Despite concerns over the notorious reliability issues surrounding rotary engines and Apex Seals failure, we are happy to report this rotary engine is running smoothly and has no faults to report about. Both turbochargers spool boost healthily at peak RPM; the power delivery across the rev range is consistent with the rotary engine note ever more clearer thanks to the addition of the G-Face exhaust on this example. The steering is responsive – with the RX-7s agile handling characteristics amplified with the Bilstein suspension reserved for these Spirit R models. The brakes are very responsive thanks to the upgraded ventilated discs and brake hoses exclusive to Spirit R Type As. For rotary enthusiasts or import fans, this is your opportunity to enjoy one of the last iterations of the RX-7 sports car in its best form as Mazda intended – available to you only at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)