This 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type R was inspected for a client at Hanaten Osaka auction on 27 October 2016.
How it was graded 4 B is a mystery, 3.5 C would have been closer to reality and probably still generous. This is a good example of why you should never buy sight unseen from auction.
Firstly this RX-7 had a colour change from red to white, quite a poor paint job with none of inside components painted. Paint was showing through red in a number of places and it needed a full repaint.
Overall it appeared to be a reasonably solid car structurally and mechanically, the engine was running OK and wasn’t blowing smoke as many of these rotaries do as they get older with a few kms. But it needed a lot of TLC.
Underbody had been painted to cover some rust, while that’s always difficult to fully evaluate without the use of a hoist, it didn’t look like was hiding anything serious.
Interior was a bit untidy. Passenger door handle was broken / missing. Steering wheel, handbrake, seats were a bit worn and dirty. 24 years old, so not altogether unexpected.
This 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type R sold for 815,000 Yen FOB, which would have been approx. $15,000 landed for race use (calculated at 80 Yen to the dollar).
We think given this relatively high price, someone must surely have bid sight unseen based on the kms and grading without checking the car in person. No one would have bid this much if they knew the true condition.
The pictures are typical of the information we provide prior to auction for each vehicle of interest, with any faults shown so you can clearly see the condition before we discuss whether to bid, and your budget.
It is vital when sourcing your vehicle to use an agent that takes the time to physically check each vehicle and looks beyond the auction pictures and report to confirm condition. Some vehicles may have an unpleasant smoke or other odour, rust underneath, or other faults which are impossible to know without inspection.
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Regarding the car.. well, what can I say.. I absolutely love it !
Styling.. The Skyline looks better in real life than any picture can show. All the curves are in the right places and that rear end is just a work of art. On top of everything, it’s just all class. I am loving all the attention I am getting. Turning heads on the street, people staring so long they don’t realise the lights have turned green, I even had someone stop at the lights then reverse to get a another look ! So many people have stopped me to ask what it is. No one can believe its “just” a Nissan.
Drive.. It’s right up there with the BMWs, Mercedes, Audis, Lexus etc. – just with more power. The ride is so smooth and quiet. Both my partner and our dog fall asleep on every drive. It is a very civilised car with power and gear change delivering with the most manners possible.
The import experience has been great (aside from the waiting). I have to thank you for being so helpful. I am very glad I finally took the leap after being on your mailing list so long. I have no hesitation about recommending your service – which is what I have been doing since. I also want to thank you for recommending the compliance workshop as they have been absolutely fantastic. Not only do they make the whole compliance experience a treat, they have done a spectacular job on the car. Recommending these guys really boosts your own reputation in this business.
I have been hearing quite a lot of horror stories about importing and compliance of late. This just makes me appreciate the service you have provided even more.
So once again, thank you. I have attached some pics of the car taken at the Great Ocean Road on the first weekend.