How Many 1st Gens Still Running?

[CHC (RIP)]

It is good that owners perhaps are starting to realise that these are worth more but the market will only withstand what somebody is prepared to pay.

So to us (the genuine enthusiast) we would go higher for a good one whereas an outsider without previous knowledge and appreciation of the raw handling and power provided by the wankel engine still see these cars as problematic old technology, a 25 to 30 year old vehicle that in their mind is only worth a few hundred pounds

All in all this has to be to the benefit of us and we are basically in control of the RX7 future - lets keep \'em going and show onlookers how great they are!

Cliff

[A7RXY]

The problem is that if they sell them cheap the breakers buy them and then we all know what happens ................

[Ian65]

I don\'t understand why the breakers want them when there\'s no market for the parts..
I just don\'t get it.

[A7RXY]

Ian, there lies the problem, if they can buy them cheap enough they think they can make a profit and the rest goes to scrape. Then when we do need spares there will not be any about, I supose then it will become economical to break them.

[CHC (RIP)]

.....and if they can buy them cheap enough they can be weighed in and sold for scrap metal.... then they have their profit.

:mad:

[Ian65]

Hmmmm.....Here\'s Another with an incorrect Reg. This Green Car is from the Mazda Brochure of Feb 1985. I\'d dutifully logged it yonks ago as an S3 1st Gen, \'Probably Scrap\'.

It\'s no such thing, the Reg throws up a Red 1769cc Mazda on DVLA, not taxed since 2000.

Now it\'s Academic really, since all are probably long gone but we Virgo\'s do like things to be what they seem. I think Mazda publicity department hid the true Reg of the White Car and this Green car....but Why??? Com\'on you Closet Poirots.

Give us your guesses.

They seem to be plates they just stuck on for the photos...
This one wasn\'t even put on straight.



Similar number though.


.

[CHC (RIP)]

Perhaps they used plates from demonstration vehicles purely for the publicity?

[David Nock (RIP)]

yes, maybe - something like that, they probably had lots of cars pre-registered at Tunbridge Wells, waiting to go out. When they wanted a shot of a car, any car, they just grabbed a couple of plates out of a bin and went-a-shooting?

But now we closet sleuths are finally exposing (get it you pre-digital guys?) their dirty little game!

[Ian65]

There are a few 1st gens with similar plates...
B962 SKR
B977 SKR
B981 SKR
B983 SKR...

[CHC (RIP)]

Are these still roadworthy too?

[jinx]

I can\'t help but follow this thread. It is interesting and frustrating in equal measure.

12-18 months ago when I was seriously shopping for a Gen 1, it seems to me that some of the cars that have been featured here recently would have been much more expensive than now. Back then, my failed search suggests they would have sold too but several of your recent \'stars\' appear not to have reached their reserve. Having ever so nearly parted with all but 1500 for something that had spent 10 years in a grain store and still did not run properly (to be sorted out before sale - is it on here yet?) I\'m appalled to see so many nice cars devaluing their cousins by their failure to sell.  

It might be good news to current owners buying cars for spares but A7RXY is right; the cheaper they get or the lower their value is perceived to be, the less likely anyone (other than a specialist with plenty of very cheap storage) is to waste the effort dismantling them on the off-chance of finding a buyer for the bits - never mind saving whole cars. It will make crushing them a no-brainer for professionals or owners faced with restoration or repair bills and a mild dip in their enthusiasm.

Seems a pity for such an important car - the first real rotary success story (Numbers sold/competition history etc.) - to finish up condemned when other in-period choices are lauded (rightly or wrongly) as classic landmarks.  If people saw more of them maybe their qualities would be better recognised but with the exception of the MRC Brooklands event, I don\'t think I\'ve seen a Gen 1 at any car show I\'ve been to in the last couple of years.  Perhaps you should...in the nicest possible sense....get out more. :rollin

[A7RXY]

Jinx, I did go to Brooklands this year, but due to the car being off the road for some years and work commitments it is not that easy to attend these events, most of the gen 1 owners are up and down the country and at the end of the day there are not that many of us, plus a few of us are no longer spring chickens.
   But you are right we do need to get out and about a bit more, now where did I put my pipe and slippers .................

[jinx]

Sorry A7RXY - It wasn\'t a criticism of a preference for seed catalogues and reruns of anything with that nice John Nettles in. :Giggle

Despite, in a fit of pique/moment of folly, buying an FD, I would be an FB owner if I had anywhere to keep it. Their appetite for rushing to rust, albeit shared with lots of contemporaries, is what prevents me from joining the ranks given my continuing lack of a garage. A life outside would be unfair to a good car and unreasonable to expect a less good one to survive for long. I\'d just like to see more of them.

I went to Brooklands and based on the numbers there this year, the FC should be the rarest of the 7\'s - though I have no idea if it is? In contrast, this summer I met an elderly gentleman doing his 200th rally event in a 356 Porsche he\'s had from new*. He had a pipe and slippers but left them at home...sometimes.  :Thumbsup!
Krgds
Andrew
(*I appreciate he can still buy parts for that at his local Porsche dealer so the analogy is not a perfect fit but....

[Lisa]

But you are right we do need to get out and about a bit more, now where did I put my pipe and slippers .................

How many of you 1st Gen owners are going to make an appearence at Rotorstock 7 on 21st August at Santa Pod.?

You could all come along and have a 1st gen get together:Party

[A7RXY]

Jinx, It was all taken light hearted, hence the pipe and slippers, my excuse is that I\'m involved  in non-league football and most of my time is spent doing that, I would love to attend more meets, but alas it is not possible, now back to this seasons fixtures ................
 
  So sorry Lisa I will not be able to attend, but Brooklands is booked in for next year.