The Mazda RX-7 is one of the best Japanese “hero” cars from the 1990s and early 2000s.
Up there with the likes of the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra MK4, demand and prices for RX-7s – particularly examples in good, factory condition – have been soaring.
Like all good Japanese performance cars from the “Golden Era”, the RX-7 was available in a number of different versions, with differing specs.
In today’s article, we want to showcase what must surely be “the best of the best” when it comes to RX-7s for sale.
Blackwells Mazda in Christchurch, New Zealand are selling a 2001 RX-7 Type RZ.
The Type RZ is a performance-focused, rare special edition of the RX-7 (as if the normal car doesn’t have good enough performance).
Changes made for the RZ include:
- Custom bucket seats with red upholstery, made by Recaro
- Custom Bilstein suspension setup
- Red stitched steering wheel and shifter
- Custom BBS gunmetal colour wheels
- Model-specific paint colour – snow white pearl mica
- Passenger footrest
These changes reduced weight by ~10kg, and also helped to improve handling and performance (not to mention they look insanely cool – the RZ has to be one of the best looking and most appealing of all the special RX-7 variants).
You can learn more about the changes made to the RX-7 RZ in this official Mazda press release from October 2000.
The Type RZ was launched to coincide with a 2000 refresh to the whole RX-7 lineup. According to Mazda’s press release, only 175 units of the RZ were available. However, the listing for this example talks of the car being #288 of 325 built.
Mazda’s own press release and also some forum posts we found talk of the 175 unit limit:
However, if you Google the VIN code, GTR-Regsitry.com has this specific example listed as #288 of 325:
Their data is based on individual VIN numbers and all 325 are accounted for. So perhaps Mazda set out to build 175 but ultimately wound up producing 325 due to demand? If you know the answer to this question – or have any more definitive information please do let us know in the comment section.
About This Example For Sale
The team down at Blackwells Mazda were kind enough to let us come by a few months ago and take some photos of another RX-7 they were selling – you can see the photos on our RX-7 buyer’s guide and model history.
When we were down there, they explained that they had started a program of sourcing, importing and preparing “heritage” Mazdas, e.g. RX-7s, RX-8s and the like.
This RX-7 RZ for sale is another example in the Blackwells Mazda Heritage Selection.
Key facts as follows:
- 2001 Mazda RX-7 Type RZ
- #288/325
- 99,300 km
- Factory standard condition
- Imported as a grade 4 import from Japan, and then refreshed and fully serviced
- Recaro seats have been reupholstered, and wheels reconditioned
- Genuine Mazda remote locking has been fitted
- Asking price of $179,990 NZD, ~$112,500 USD
- An overseas purchaser should theoretically qualify for 15% off as the GST (sales tax) would be refunded – so this example might suit a discerning overseas collector.
We haven’t personally seen this car (if anyone from Blackwells is reading, feel free to get back in touch with us – we’d love to come take some more photos!) but it looks superb from the photos. We left very impressed by the standards to which Blackwells were sourcing “heritage” cars, and preparing them for sale. They showed us their immaculate workshop where the cars are put through a comprehensive inspection and servicing program, which does a great deal to inspire confidence.
You can view the full listing here: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mazda/rx7/listing/3687292775
If you are interested and make an inquiry, be sure to mention that you saw the car listed on this website.
