Fast Facts

A thoughtfully upgraded example of the highly desirable, and similarly performant, final limited-production run of Mazda’s iconic RX-7

Fit with an Exedy twin-plate clutch and chassis bracing, AutoExe exhaust system, Apexi Power FC ECU, carbon fibre intake and Pioneer Carrozzeria stereo system

Japan delivered, imported to Australia in September 2025 with an auction Grade 4

The Details

This Series 8 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R ‘Type A’ is an arresting, thoughtfully upgraded example of the Japan-exclusive ultimate RX-7. It’s sure to call to anyone looking to experience the rotary-powered JDM icon in its purest and most performant form.

Mazda introduced the Spirit R in 2002 as the swangsong of the RX-7’s quarter century run. Limited to just 1,500 cars and combining all of the extra features the marque had developed through the Series 8, such as Bilstein suspension, less restrictive muffler, more efficient turbochargers and improved ABS system, along with a few upgrades of its own, the Spirit R would be the most desirable variant of the iconic JDM sports car.

This particular car is the ‘Type A’ variant, which are understood to have comprised 1,044 of the Spirit Rs. The Type As lent further into RX-7’s connected driving experience, dropping 40 kilograms from the standard car by swapping the front seats with a pair of lightweight Recaro full buckets in red trim, and removing the rears altogether.

At the heart of the 1,270 kilogram car is a 206 kW 1.3-litre twin turbocharged 13B Wankel rotary engine, which is understood to have been replaced and rebuilt. This is mated to a five-speed manual transmission upgraded with an Exedy twin-plate clutch. It has also been gently modified with an Apexi Power FC ECU and carbon-fibre air intake, now breathing out of an AutoExe exhaust system. AutoExe chassis bracing has also been installed.

This RX-7 carries colour code 25G, which is Titanium Grey, and it’s believed to have been repainted in Japan in that same colour. The owner notes that the finish bears two small paint chips but is otherwise in excellent condition.

The car rides 17-inch forged BBS alloy wheels housing large drilled ventilated disc brakes with red Mazda brake calipers. Tyres are Toyo Proxes Sport that show very minimal wear. The RX-7 is also equipped with the standard adjustable carbon rear wing.

Inside, the Spirit R presents very well with the original red Recaros in place, the seller noting some slight discolouration as they head towards their 24th birthday. It benefits from some aftermarket additions, including an upper dashboard triple gauge pod with Defi oil temperature, water temperature and boost pressure gauges, an AutoExe gear knob and red anodised handbrake button.

While the soundtrack from the 13B paired with the AutoExe exhaust is hard to beat, there is the option of an upgraded Pioneer Carrozzeria stereo system should you want it.

The Type R was serviced in January 2025 and has seen only minor mileage since. It holds current New South Wales registration.

Mazda’s RX-7 holds an enviable position among the pantheon of classic JDM cars, and the Spirit R Type A sits comfortably as its ultimate expression. Finished in refreshed Titanium Grey paintwork and benefitting from a series of considered upgrades, this Series 8 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R ‘Type A’ represents a rare opportunity to take one for a spin.

Appendix:

GF-FD3S

Paint 25G

JMJ

Vehicle ID No FD3S-604730

Serial 0139/1500

Produced in Hiroshima

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.