On 25 March 2002, Mazda announced the Spirit R range of RX-7s, sold exclusively in Mazda’s homeland as a staple of the Japanese domestic market (JDM) scene. Limited to 1,500 units and available in three specifications—Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C—the Spirit R marked the end of the third generation RX-7.

All Spirit Rs were supplied with soft-touch interior panels and exclusive badging and gauges. Leather-clad parts included the gear gaiter, gear knob, and handbrake lever, topped by a Nardi leather steering wheel. In addition to the special interior features, Spirit Rs had eye-catching 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, a front strut brace, and red brake callipers.

The most desirable Type-A variant was powered by a 1.3-litre twin-turbocharged rotary engine that produced 276 horsepower and 231 lb ft of torque, allied to a five-speed manual transmission. This top trim level could be identified by features including twin-red lightweight Recaro sports seats, Gun Metallic wheels, larger drilled brake discs, stainless-steel brake lines, and Bilstein dampers. In total, 1,044 Type-As were built, described by Mazda as “the ultimate RX-7”.

This example, produced in May 2002, was ordered in top-of-the-range Type-A configuration. Offered in five colours, it was one of just 217 examples to be finished in Innocent Blue Mica. The car was acquired at auction by the current owner in July 2019, shortly before being exported to Hong Kong. At time of cataloguing, the odometer read just 5,762 kilometres. Please note, having been stored for several years, this vehicle will require servicing prior to road use. Please contact an RM Sotheby’s representative for further information. The car is accompanied by a jack, owner’s manual, service book, space-saver spare wheel, and wheel brace.

With a hugely desirable specification, low mileage, and representing the final year of Mazda’s ground-breaking rotary-powered sports car, this stunning RX-7 Spirit R has all the attributes of a leading collector car.