1985 Mazda RX-7 GS Five-Speed

Description

The 1985 Mazda RX-7 GS represents the final year of the first-generation RX-7, a car that helped define Mazda’s identity as a builder of lightweight, rotary-powered sports cars. Introduced in 1978, the RX-7 was a bold departure from conventional engine design, utilizing a compact and high-revving Wankel rotary engine. By 1985, the GS trim offered a refined balance of performance, affordability, and style. 

Under the hood, the RX-7 GS featured a 1.1-liter 12A rotary engine producing around 101 horsepower. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, it delivered a 0–60 mph time of about 9 seconds — respectable for its era. The car’s lightweight chassis (around 2,400 pounds) and near-perfect weight distribution made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts for its nimble handling and responsive steering. 

Design-wise, the RX-7 GS sported a sleek, aerodynamic body with pop-up headlights and a long hood-short deck profile. Inside, it featured a driver-focused cockpit with bucket seats and analog gauges. Optional features included air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a sunroof. 

Mazda produced over 63,000 RX-7s in 1985 alone, with the GS being one of the more accessible trims. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Sunrise Red paint over light gray woven cloth upholstery 

• 1.2-liter twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine (12A) with four-barrel carburetor rated at 100 hp 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

Features 

• Pop-up headlights 

• Sport bucket seats 

• AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• Quartz digital clock 

• 140 mph speedometer and 8,000 rpm tachometer 

• Mazda 13-inch, four-spoke alloy wheels 

• Ironman GR906 185/70R13 tires 

• Front disc, rear drum brakes 

• Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and live rear axle with Watts linkage 

• Service in May 2025: 

  • Distributor cap replaced 

  • Drivability/performance checked 

  • Exhaust system checked 

  • Fuel filter replaced 

  • Fuel pump replaced 

  • Spark plugs replaced 

  • Tune-up performed 

Known Imperfections 

• Lower front valance panel/spoiler on driver's side has a small dent/paint loss 

• Passenger front wheel is scraped 

• Small dent and scrapes on driver's lower rear quarter panel 

• Light wear on edges of exterior trim pieces, commensurate with the age of the vehicle 

• Paint flaking in rear passenger wheel well 

• Light stain on carpet behind passenger seat

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack and lug wrench 

• Owner's manual 

• Protective dash and steering wheel cover  

• Complete service records since second owner (beginning in 1987 and including current ownership) 

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 1985 Mazda RX-7 GS begins with a new title reported on 14 September 1987 in Centreville, Virginia, with 16,282 miles on the odometer. The RX-7 has had two additional owners since, also in Centreville. The seller has owned the car since August 2021, and he says the car “handles like a dream.”