How Many 1st Gens Still Running?

[Ian65]

This is a series 1 car, the giveaways being the Baroque depression in the rear slam panel and the thin rubbing strips that run along the sides of the car. These were wider rubber items on series 2 & 3 cars. The rear lights are also series 1 as is the front bumper.
A strange thing about series 1 cars is that quite a few didn\'t have factory fitted sunroofs unlike the series 2 and 3 which I believe, all had the \'targa\' type lift out panel.
My series 1 had a universal fit sunroof and it looks like this one has too.

[Ian65]

A sorry looking 1985 \'B\' reg series 3 has popped up on Ebay. Located in Birmingham.
 

 
 
 
Seems to be the season when people are giving up on their projects.

[David Nock (RIP)]

Yes there\'s a few project cars around at the moment.
Got the S1 Reg OK, it\'s a 1980 \'W\'. just need the Brummie car reg now!

[grinder]

so that black one in liverpool is really rare

humm only prob 20-25 miles from me aswell

[David Nock (RIP)]

Nearer than that I think Stu, It\'s in Widnes.
But yes, only 11 known examples so far. The S1 count is just steady all year at 10 (now 11), whereas the S2 and S3 cars are going up and down as I log \'em down just in time before the the scrappie comes round.
The guy Eric has loads of spares as well including 2 stainless exhausts.
But what a sight....good old Grinder locked in a bidding war as the price goes up and UP!

[Ian65]

It\'s a sad situation but it isn\'t really economically viable to restore 1st generation RX7\'s.
Although they took America by storm and were / still are very popular in Australia, they were always a niche car in the UK.
 
This has kept prices low and you can get a nice mot\'d useable car for not very much money which makes restoring them not worthwhile.
The main problem with restoring these cars is the high cost of replacement parts. They are either not available or cost the earth in the UK and from the US and OZ where they are to be had, the shipping costs and import duty is prohibitive. (I once imported a power assisted steering box for a 1985 RX7 for the US and the cost was outrageous!)
 
Series 1 cars suffer even worse as the trim parts are like gold dust.
 
I\'d love to buy a 1st gen, strip it, media blast the shell and do a full nut and bolt rebuild but theres not much point really when I can buy a nice condition 2 car for little money.
 
The upshot of this is that abandoned projects tend to be broken for parts and we end up with less and less 1st gens on the roads.

[grinder]

humm might just keep an eye on it just incase

always fancied a project car

[David Nock (RIP)]

I think the last Series 1 rebuild post on here was Mr Bishi about 3 years ago. He bought one, a \'V\' Reg,  welded in a new floor and all sorts else. Resprayed it White. He was at it for a long time and made a real job of it. Syebba (t\'other Stu) bought it then later it went on to Ireland.
The post should still be in 1st Gen section posts Stu (Grinder) if you\'re interested.

By the way, see you all in a couple of weeks, of on my hols with no wi fi. Damn. But the wife\'s pleased..

[Ian65]

Very nice 1 owner low milage series 2 on Ebay. Located in London. Seller asking £2000
 

 

 

 
Not many about like this any more!

[syebba]

 
It\'s safe here at the mo,Daves away with no access to the net!!:evillaugh
On car & classic in Gt Yarmoth,u may have this one.
Ta stu..

[Ian65]

Red series 2 for sale in London, registered 09.09.83, £1295.00
 

 

 
One for Davids list???
 
Heres the ad.
 
http://www.gumtree.com/london/50/42550650.html

[syebba]

[syebba]

above is in hull,humberside,on fleabay..
ta..

[myatt1972]

Currently running C39 FWC s3
 
Gone to Rx7 grave yard:-
 
B779 OPR
A80 RFJ
KDH 585V
 
I also have some pics but cant attach them, think its cos Im a new boy.
Keith...

[syebba]

on ebay[aberdeen]