Fast Facts:

• One of only 500 JDM-only examples of the Bathurst R built during the RX-7’s final model year

• Tastefully modified with widebody kit and brand-name components throughout

• Powered by the iconic ‘13B’ twin-rotor engine, in this instance featuring a single-turbo conversion and tuned for E85 compatibility

The Details:

The FD Mazda RX-7 was one of the three hero cars of the 1990s JDM tuner scene, and this 2002 Bathurst R – one of the final ‘Series 8’ models produced during its last model year – is one of the most tastefully modified examples you’ll come across today.

Only 500 examples of the Bathurst R were produced. Despite the name, chosen to honour Mazda’s three straight victories at Mount Panorama in the Bathurst 12 Hour between 1992-94, it was a Japan-only proposition. 

A rival to the A80 Toyota Supra and the ever-evolving Nissan Skyline GT-R, the RX-7 was the stylish outlier of the trio, eschewing the straight-six engine layout used by its rivals in favour of a Wankel rotary engine, an engine design Mazda had been utilising since the late ’60s. 

Thanks to a rotary engine’s diminutive size, it allowed Mazda license to wrap virtually any bodywork it liked around it. While earlier FB and FC RX-7s featured a more slant-nosed shape with sharper lines, when it came to the FD, Mazda’s design team opted for a low-slung design with timeless swooping curves, teardrop-shaped glasshouse, double-bubble roof, and a long and low bonnet that still incorporated pop-up headlights.

Like all Japanese cars in the ’90s, many RX-7s were extensively modified. However, this one has been reworked more recently than that, and as a result it presents in remarkable condition.

The classic FD looks have been enhanced with a drastic widebody kit, extensive carbon trim, and numerous custom touches including: 

• FEED carbon fibre ground effects kit

• RE Amemiya carbon fibre door handles and surrounding trim

• Carbon fibre bonnet

• Work Meister S1 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres in staggered sizing 

• Anodised front strut brace

• NEXT Miracle Cross Bar rear strut brace

• VIAIR air lift system on top of coilover suspension setup

• RE Amemiya exhaust

Despite its impeccable stance, the quick air lift system makes it far more practical than many low, modified cars are. The chassis stiffening measures in combination with perfectly dialled-in suspension mean it handles and rides beautifully without the harsh ride commonly associated with modified cars. Add in the low weight over the front axle thanks to the small rotary engine, and the steering is beautifully responsive to boot.

Inside, there are also plenty of upgrades including:

• Bride Low Max seats

• Nardi ‘Deep Corn’ steering wheel

• FEED carpet floor mats and carbon fibre scuff plates

• R Magic shift knob

• Prosport oil and water temperature gauges

• Pioneer head unit with two Audison subwoofers

While the 13B-REW twin-rotor engine originally fitted to the RX-7 came equipped with a sequential twin-turbo system developed with Hitachi, the first of its kind on a Japanese production car, power was capped at 206kW (276hp) as part of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between brands, although these engines often produced more than was specified on paper. 

As you might expect by now, this 13B is no longer standard. The twin-turbo system has been removed in favour of a massive single BorgWarner turbocharger – not just done for the sake of power, but also reliability compared to the complex original setup. It also features a Haltech flex fuel sensor to enable running on 98RON or E85 fuel.

Similarly to the suspension setup, the engine tuning is a testament to how well this car has been built. Despite the turbo’s proportionally gargantuan size when seen next to the tiny twin-rotor, turbo lag is well mitigated and it feels thoroughly driveable whether in traffic or, more likely, on a stunning corner-laden road.

It also retains the classic rotary engine sound and buttery smoothness through the rev range, as it doesn’t feature the commonly seen ‘bridge port’ modification.

All around, there are few modified cars that look as good and drive as well as this stunning RX-7. No compromises or sacrifices have been made anywhere in ensuring this car only enhances the original design and driving experience, and it shows both when you see it up close and when you get it out on the road.

Auction Listing Disclaimer Online Classics Pty Ltd NSW MD License 100933

Descriptions and information are supplied by the seller or owner of the vehicle and are believed to be accurate and not misleading to the best of their knowledge. Prospective buyers are required to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and independent verification is strongly recommended.

Vehicles listed on retrorides.com.au & rrauctions.com.au may have undergone cosmetic or bodywork repairs that are not visually discernible. Photographs may not precisely represent the colour or condition; therefore, buyers should directly confirm key specifications. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it must be assumed that any vehicle registration plates are excluded from the sale of a car or motorcycle.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for this vehicle has been verified against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), at the time of listing the vehicle, and no security interest or other encumbrance is recorded against the serial number. Furthermore, this vehicle has been checked via the Austroads National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS), and there are no markers present within the written-off or stolen vehicle databases.

Access to and use of data provided through the PPSR is subject to the PPSR terms of use and applicable third party data conditions. 

To the extent permitted by law, all data provided through the PPSR is made available without any representation or warranty of any kind (without limitation in respect to accuracy) and the Commonwealth, and third party data providers (which includes Austroads Ltd (ABN 16 245 787 323) and any person mentioned in the third party data conditions as providing information through the PPSR), have no liability to you in respect of any loss or damage that you might suffer no matter how arising (including negligence) that is directly or indirectly related to the NEVDIS data.