For anyone seeking the most desirable and well-preserved version of Mazda's iconic rotary sports car, this 1993 RX-7 R1 offers an unrepeatable opportunity. Finished in its factory Vintage Red, this two-owner example shows just 5,903 miles from new and represents one of the finest surviving R1 cars anywhere. Built as the most focused and track-ready trim in 1993, the R1 package was offered for a single year, with just 1,177 finished in Vintage Red, making this an exceptionally rare and collectible piece of Japanese performance history.
The exterior condition is truly showroom quality, with the Vintage Red paint retaining its deep, glossy finish and the factory bodywork presenting beautifully all around. The R1-specific aero elements, including its aggressive front air dam and distinctive rear wing, remain undamaged and crisp. All glass and trim are clean and original, with excellent fit and finish that speaks to careful, climate-controlled storage. The car sits on its factory 16-inch wheels wrapped in original Bridgestone Expedia S-02 tires that are date-coded 1992 and show no signs of dry-rot, further confirming its careful preservation and loving, climate-controlled storage over the years.
Under the hood is Mazda's legendary 13B-REW 1.3-liter two-rotor Wankel engine featuring sequential twin turbochargers, delivering 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a 5-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels, enabling a factory-rated 0-60 time of around 5 seconds and a top speed near 155 mph. In 1993 those were very impressive performance numbers, with the RX-7 often compared directly to the Ferrari 348. In many contemporary tests, the RX-7 would out-accelerate the Ferrari and also deliver superior braking performance, cementing its reputation as a true giant-killer. The R1 package added upgraded suspension with firmer springs and shocks, front and rear strut tower braces, and dual oil coolers for improved thermal management during spirited driving, making it the most driver-focused FD3S you could buy new.
The interior is equally impressive, with factory materials and finishes showing almost no signs of wear. Seats, carpets, plastics, and switchgear remain in remarkable condition, reflecting its incredibly low mileage and careful ownership history. The R1 package deleted unnecessary luxury features to save weight, leaving a cockpit purpose-built for the driving enthusiast while still delivering that classic 90s Mazda design feel.
This RX-7 R1 represents one of the most complete and untouched examples on the market, offering an authentic experience of what made the FD so special when new. With the Japanese sports car market continuing to rise, this mint, ultra-low-mile R1 is not only an incredible driver's car but also an exceptional place to park money for collectors looking to secure a true piece of automotive history.
