The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added an exceptionally preserved 1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL to its collection, featuring fewer than 4,000 original miles on the odometer. This acquisition represents a significant addition to the museum's lineup of iconic vehicles, providing automotive enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to view one of the finest examples of Mazda's celebrated rotary-powered sports car.
The first-generation Mazda RX-7, launched in 1978, captivated drivers with its lightweight chassis, timeless styling, and innovative rotary engine technology. The GSL trim, introduced in the early 1980s, further elevated the RX-7's appeal with premium equipment and enhanced performance features. At the heart of this vehicle is Mazda's legendary 1.1-liter 12A rotary engine, factory rated at 100 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.
This particular example showcases state-of-the-art features for its time, including signature pop-up headlights, a sunroof, electric windows, cruise control, air conditioning, and a factory cassette stereo complete with graphic equalizer and balancer. The driver-focused interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel framing a central 7,000-rpm redline tachometer, a 130-mph speedometer, and auxiliary gauges.
Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, stating that finding an original example with such incredibly low mileage is extraordinary. The vehicle is now on display among more than 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and memorabilia at the museum's facility. Visitors can access additional information about the museum's collection through their website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This addition to the museum's collection matters because it preserves an important piece of automotive history while demonstrating the enduring appeal of innovative engineering. The RX-7 represented a breakthrough in sports car design, showcasing Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology that set it apart from conventional piston engines. For automotive enthusiasts and historians, this well-preserved example serves as a tangible connection to an era of automotive innovation and design excellence.
The museum's acquisition of such a low-mileage example ensures that future generations can experience and appreciate the engineering marvel that was the first-generation RX-7. This preservation effort contributes to the broader understanding of automotive evolution and the specific technological advancements that Mazda brought to the sports car market during this period.
