Evening everyone,
I wanted to pop a project thread up about my FD to try and keep a little log of the cars history and my ownership journey.
History
Imported in Dec 2020 and then stored for about a year before being put up for sale having done barely any mileage.
No actual service history came with the car. However original import document with grade, verified mileage and confirmed no accident history. Along with strong compression results done by Stu at Rotortorque and overall stunning condition of the car meant that I was less worried about that and gives me somewhere to start as I do plan on keeping her for a good while.
Advert
Being sold by HJA
• Japanese Auction Grade 4-B
• No Accident History
• 95,000 km Genuine (Approx 59k miles)
• Limited to 500 units sold in Japan and only 271 in Sunburst yellow
• Worldwide shipping available and can be delivered to your door almost anywhere in Europe.
• Long/short term storage options available for U.S customers
• Stock code: HJA457
• 50+ HD
HJA bring to you this super rare Mazda RX-7 limited edition version of the RX-7 rotary engine sports car. Equipped with features designed to enhance driving pleasure and its sporty appeal, plus the fact it was limited to 500 units the Type R Bathurst R is really one for the avid car collectors.
The RX-7 has a particularly distinctive design, brimming with originality. Its lightweight, compact, high-output rotary engine allows it to raise responsive handling and performance to an exceptionally high level. The RX-7 is a sports car that exemplifies the Mazda spirit.
The new limited edition model is based on the Type R, with the lightest power-weight ratio among RX-7 series, and features custom height-adjustable dampers designed specially for the limited edition model for enhanced driving excitement. In addition, employing the carbon tone cockpit reminiscent of a racing car adds up to a thoroughly sporty feel. Three body colors are available, including exclusive color for this limited edition vehicle: Sunburst Yellow.
The name Bathurst was chosen to commemorate the Bathurst 12-hour car race in Australia, where the RX-7 has been victorious for three consecutive years (1992 through 1994). Since that time all limited edition versions of the RX-7 have carried the Bathurst name.
Sales of the RX-7 Type R Bathurst R are limited to 500 units for all of Japan although later data shows the number could be a total of 650.
Features of the Type R Bathurst R
The Type R Bathurst R takes as its basis the Type R, the lightest power-weight ratio among RX-7 series, and adds custom height-adjustable dampers designed specially for this limited edition model. This provides a unique driving experience to match the individuality of the customer. Carbon tone interior panels accentuate the sporty feel.
- Custom "Bathurst R" decals
- Height-adjustable dampers (custom designed for the limited edition model)
* Adjustment is performed by the dealer with request of customers
- Carbon tone panels (center panel, center console, power window switch panel and small storage compartment cover on driver's side) (manufactured by Mazda Speed)
- Carbon shift knob and parking brake lever (manufactured by Mazda Speed)
Available body colors: Sunburst Yellow (exclusive to the limited edition model), Pure White, Innocent Blue Mica
Compression
Points to note before collection
1. Clifford 650 Mk3 & Hornet tracker fitted.
2. Rotortorque replaced a boost solonoid.
3. Went to Chris at CSK Automotive for full underbody clear Dinitrol treatment
Collection
I collected her on Nov 29th 2021.
Arrived at her new home
Current stablemates
Mk1 Mazda 3 MPS Aero
Mazda RX8 R3
Toyota GR Yaris
First Driving Impressions
Now with the unknown history of the car I wasn't expecting everything to be perfect, but on the whole she was great on the cruise home. The engine was beautifully smooth and the handover between turbos was seemless. She felt light and direct, just like my old ND MX5, brakes were great and felt up to the job. Seats are so comfortable, it feels like we have lost something in more modern cars! Holy moly the visability is brilliant, probably one of the best cars I've driven in this regard. Indicator on the wrong side was something I quickly got used too.
I have however forgotten how far cars have moved on in terms of refinement. Squeaks and creaks aplenty from the plastics! Also the damping felt absolutely terrible, the car still has its adjustable height dampers as she came from the factory, now obviously I have no idea if these have ever been rebuilt or replaced in the 20 years she has been on the road. But on smooth roads not a problem, but any bump (of which there are plenty on our concrete motorways) or pothole she did feel crashy. While body roll was also noticeable.
The caveats being, I am driving a 21 year old car in 5 degree temperatures so more driving and learning will be required.
Also, she is far too quiet stock exhaust wise. With the OEM radio only able to pick up Radio 2 also being quite comical as well.
Initial Plans/Mods
This is always going to be a fine balance due to the relative value of the car. But I do want to improve her as a driving experience without obviously taking too extremes.
1. In the early Spring I plan to get her booked back in with Stu and get a complete change of all the fluids in the car. I am also open to any preventative maintenance that is worth carrying out.
2. Start doing something about the suspension. I am already eyeing up Ohlins DFV's. I have always wanted to get some and I do feel as if the RX7 would be the right car to have them. I am no track hero, so fast road, with maybe the odd track day as the end goal. But better road manners is top of the list. Maybe look into slightly stiffer ARBs to address the roll.
3. Exhaust, as I have no plans to go for crazy power. Just a cat back at this stage, which will be between the Racing Beat Twin and the TGS Supertwin as I do like the stock look. If the stock cat gets eaten then obviously this may have to be looked at. My R3 came with a ECP Cat which it ate through in about 3 months flat, so I am no stranger to a sports cat. But obviously this could mean remaps due to being turbocharged. A bridge to cross should it ever come to it.
4. Detailed and ceramic coated.
5. Drive it. I have no plans to make it a garage queen. But it may get stored away next winter, I kind of missed the boat this year! But hey, it is a car, they are meant to be outside.
I wanted to pop a project thread up about my FD to try and keep a little log of the cars history and my ownership journey.
History
Imported in Dec 2020 and then stored for about a year before being put up for sale having done barely any mileage.
No actual service history came with the car. However original import document with grade, verified mileage and confirmed no accident history. Along with strong compression results done by Stu at Rotortorque and overall stunning condition of the car meant that I was less worried about that and gives me somewhere to start as I do plan on keeping her for a good while.
Advert
Being sold by HJA
Mazda RX7 Type R Bathurst R, ONLY 271 Produced in Sunburst yellow!
• 10/2001 Mazda RX7 Type R Bathurst R (Series 8 Version VI)• Japanese Auction Grade 4-B
• No Accident History
• 95,000 km Genuine (Approx 59k miles)
• Limited to 500 units sold in Japan and only 271 in Sunburst yellow
• Worldwide shipping available and can be delivered to your door almost anywhere in Europe.
• Long/short term storage options available for U.S customers
• Stock code: HJA457
• 50+ HD
HJA bring to you this super rare Mazda RX-7 limited edition version of the RX-7 rotary engine sports car. Equipped with features designed to enhance driving pleasure and its sporty appeal, plus the fact it was limited to 500 units the Type R Bathurst R is really one for the avid car collectors.
The RX-7 has a particularly distinctive design, brimming with originality. Its lightweight, compact, high-output rotary engine allows it to raise responsive handling and performance to an exceptionally high level. The RX-7 is a sports car that exemplifies the Mazda spirit.
The new limited edition model is based on the Type R, with the lightest power-weight ratio among RX-7 series, and features custom height-adjustable dampers designed specially for the limited edition model for enhanced driving excitement. In addition, employing the carbon tone cockpit reminiscent of a racing car adds up to a thoroughly sporty feel. Three body colors are available, including exclusive color for this limited edition vehicle: Sunburst Yellow.
The name Bathurst was chosen to commemorate the Bathurst 12-hour car race in Australia, where the RX-7 has been victorious for three consecutive years (1992 through 1994). Since that time all limited edition versions of the RX-7 have carried the Bathurst name.
Sales of the RX-7 Type R Bathurst R are limited to 500 units for all of Japan although later data shows the number could be a total of 650.
Features of the Type R Bathurst R
The Type R Bathurst R takes as its basis the Type R, the lightest power-weight ratio among RX-7 series, and adds custom height-adjustable dampers designed specially for this limited edition model. This provides a unique driving experience to match the individuality of the customer. Carbon tone interior panels accentuate the sporty feel.
- Custom "Bathurst R" decals
- Height-adjustable dampers (custom designed for the limited edition model)
* Adjustment is performed by the dealer with request of customers
- Carbon tone panels (center panel, center console, power window switch panel and small storage compartment cover on driver's side) (manufactured by Mazda Speed)
- Carbon shift knob and parking brake lever (manufactured by Mazda Speed)
Available body colors: Sunburst Yellow (exclusive to the limited edition model), Pure White, Innocent Blue Mica
Compression
Points to note before collection
1. Clifford 650 Mk3 & Hornet tracker fitted.
2. Rotortorque replaced a boost solonoid.
3. Went to Chris at CSK Automotive for full underbody clear Dinitrol treatment
Collection
I collected her on Nov 29th 2021.
Arrived at her new home
Current stablemates
Mk1 Mazda 3 MPS Aero
Mazda RX8 R3
Toyota GR Yaris
First Driving Impressions
Now with the unknown history of the car I wasn't expecting everything to be perfect, but on the whole she was great on the cruise home. The engine was beautifully smooth and the handover between turbos was seemless. She felt light and direct, just like my old ND MX5, brakes were great and felt up to the job. Seats are so comfortable, it feels like we have lost something in more modern cars! Holy moly the visability is brilliant, probably one of the best cars I've driven in this regard. Indicator on the wrong side was something I quickly got used too.
I have however forgotten how far cars have moved on in terms of refinement. Squeaks and creaks aplenty from the plastics! Also the damping felt absolutely terrible, the car still has its adjustable height dampers as she came from the factory, now obviously I have no idea if these have ever been rebuilt or replaced in the 20 years she has been on the road. But on smooth roads not a problem, but any bump (of which there are plenty on our concrete motorways) or pothole she did feel crashy. While body roll was also noticeable.
The caveats being, I am driving a 21 year old car in 5 degree temperatures so more driving and learning will be required.
Also, she is far too quiet stock exhaust wise. With the OEM radio only able to pick up Radio 2 also being quite comical as well.
Initial Plans/Mods
This is always going to be a fine balance due to the relative value of the car. But I do want to improve her as a driving experience without obviously taking too extremes.
1. In the early Spring I plan to get her booked back in with Stu and get a complete change of all the fluids in the car. I am also open to any preventative maintenance that is worth carrying out.
2. Start doing something about the suspension. I am already eyeing up Ohlins DFV's. I have always wanted to get some and I do feel as if the RX7 would be the right car to have them. I am no track hero, so fast road, with maybe the odd track day as the end goal. But better road manners is top of the list. Maybe look into slightly stiffer ARBs to address the roll.
3. Exhaust, as I have no plans to go for crazy power. Just a cat back at this stage, which will be between the Racing Beat Twin and the TGS Supertwin as I do like the stock look. If the stock cat gets eaten then obviously this may have to be looked at. My R3 came with a ECP Cat which it ate through in about 3 months flat, so I am no stranger to a sports cat. But obviously this could mean remaps due to being turbocharged. A bridge to cross should it ever come to it.
4. Detailed and ceramic coated.
5. Drive it. I have no plans to make it a garage queen. But it may get stored away next winter, I kind of missed the boat this year! But hey, it is a car, they are meant to be outside.