From the Classifieds: 1989 Mazda RX-7 Series IV convertible

The trainspotters will pose the question: Is this one of the very hard-to-find 10th anniversary models of the Mazda RX-7?

In Australia, the commemorative convertibles were finished in black with gold alloy wheels, like the car featured in this listing, but the owner is not advertising the RX-7 as one of those collectible models.

What the owner does say about this Series IV (FC) model is that it has only travelled 43,354km, has never been dinged and is in straight, original condition.

Like all RX-7 convertibles at the time, this one is powered by the turbocharged 13B rotary, and drives the rear wheels through an automatic transmission.

While the Series IV RX-7 isn’t in the same league for desirability as the last FD models, this particular car is undoubtedly a nice addition to any enthusiast’s collection.

It comes with standard leather upholstery, and with its quasi Porsche 944 style it’s still a handsome beast.

Sure, the Series IV RX-7 was a bit porky in its time, relative to earlier models, and that is exacerbated by extra reinforcement for the convertible.

But the turbo engine compensated for that weight and the car delivered nice handling and high levels of roadholding, thanks to independent rear suspension (IRS) and rear-wheel steering introduced with the FC models.

This is more a grand touring car than a sports car such as the earlier RX-7s were, but the rotary engine, rated at 133kW and 247Nm, was smooth and refined at highway speeds, making this car an ideal choice for cruising.

Drop the top and invite your favourite person for a drive down the coast on a sunny day, and life doesn’t get any better.

Although RedBook suggests the 10th anniversary RX-7 is only worth $15,600 in good retail condition, that doesn’t allow for this vehicle’s very low mileage.

For just a couple of thousand more – and $50,000 less than the new price 30 years ago – who could possibly complain about the price being asked?

Particularly when FD models will set you back more than $100,000...

Being a Mazda, in what appears to be good, original condition, this RX-7 could scrub up very nicely for anyone on a tight budget wanting a car that promises to be a minor classic in the not-too-distant future.

The NSW registration for this RX-7 falls due in December, which is something a buyer should bear in mind, but a 30-year-old drop-top sports car at an asking price below $18,000 could be a great opportunity to pick up a potentially collectible car on the cheap.