Are RX-7s Really as Rare as People Say?
As a JDM fanatic, I‘ve lusted after the Mazda RX-7 FD ever since getting hooked on Initial D and Tokyo Drift. Its swooping lines, rear-wheel drive handling, and high-revving rotary engine make it a quintessential Japanese sports car. But RX-7 prices have skyrocketed in recent years as clean, low mileage examples become increasingly hard to find. What gives? Are RX-7s truly rare gems nowadays, or is their elusiveness overhyped? Let‘s crunch the numbers!
By the Stats: A Rare Breed
Out of all the iconic Japanese sports cars of the 1990s, the RX-7 FD stands out as a low production rarity. Check out how its production run stacks up:
| **Sports Car** | **Years Sold in US** | **Total Sold in US** |
| Toyota Supra MkIV | 1993-1998 | ~120,000 |
| Nissan 300ZX Z32 | 1990-1996 | ~175,000 |
| **Mazda RX-7 FD** | **1993-1995** | **~40,000** |
With under 3 years of official US sales and around 40k units moved, the FD was far more scarce than its contemporaries from day one. And when we look at how many have survived to this day, the numbers are downright minuscule:
- Only 4,000-5,000 RX-7 FDs are still registered and driving today according to various sources.
- That‘s barely 10% left from its original sales!
No wonder prices have climbed. With so few left after accidents, engine issues, and the ravages of time, supply vs demand kicks in.
Why So Few Remain
Short production run aside, a variety of factors have concurred to make the RX-7 a rare find these days:
The Rotary Engine – Mechanically complex, apex seal failure prone, and thirsty on gas. Many have blown engines after 100k miles.
Lightweight Body – Easier to wreck and bend chassis/body panels than heavier vehicles. Repairs expensive.
Driven Hard – High-revving RWD sports car lends itself to aggressive driving. Wrecks likely.
Heavy Modification – Engine swaps and excessive tuning sacrificed many original cars.
Lack of Care – Being "just an old used sports car", many have not been maintained properly.
Not Daily Driven – Garaged or collecting dust rather than being someone‘s daily driver.
When you consider everything working against their survival, it‘s no surprise that RX-7s have become automotive unicorns today.
collector values through the roof
Back in 2000, you could pick up an RX-7 FD for under $10,000 all day long. But times have changed. Here‘s a look at how values have shot up in recent years:
- Good condition examples now average $25k-30k.
- Low mileage, pristine condition cars exceed $70k.
- The rarest iterations (Bathurst, Spirit R) can hammer over $250k at auction!
Supply and demand in action: with so few left, those who want an FD are willing to pay ever higher prices, especially as 90s Japanese sports cars gain collector car status.
Will Prices Keep Rising?
The RX-7 market shows no signs of slowing down. As time takes more off the road, prices for remaining cars could continue to increase. Then again, enthusiast tastes can be fickle – perhaps the next generation will move on to newer models, easing demand and values.
Personally, I think the RX-7 will remain valuable as a prime example of Japanese sports car heritage. Domestic carmakers aren‘t making exciting, driver-focused cars like the FD these days. Its rarity and nostalgic appeal should keep enthusiasts chasing these jewels for many years to come!
The Ultimate Spirit Successor?
As a diehard JDM fan, the RX-7 FD occupies a dream garage spot in my mind. I‘d love to get my hands on a late model Spirit R: ultra-rare, lightweight, racing-inspired, RE Amemiya tuned, and number 202/500.
With its impeccable handling balance and 9,000 rpm shrieking rotary, I‘d add just a touch of power: a conservative single turbo upgrade, improved cooling and oiling, upgraded diff and transmission, and wider tires wrapped around bronze Volk TE37s. A coiloever suspension tuned for winding backroads and 295-section rubber for maximum grip completes the package.
This blend of OEM polish and tuner upgrades would be automotive nirvana! While the odds of finding my perfect FD are slim, a guy can dream…
The RX-7 remains a Japanese sports car icon due to its unique rotary power, razor-sharp chassis, and increasing rarity as a low production ‘90s classic. Prices have skyrocketed as a result, but its charms should continue enticing collectors for years to come. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I need to go browse some auction sites!
