by "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
Published 06/09/2017 at 17:50
by "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
Published 06/09/2017 at 17:50
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STARS: 4
Lately I’ve been thinking that my ideal fun toy convertible is an FC RX-7 turbo convertible. Except the FC RX-7 convertible was only sold in the US in non-turbo form. I looked into turbo swaps, but then I realized all FCs sold in Japan were turbos. Onward, to goo-net-exchange!
The FC RX-7 convertible has a very weird convertible top where you remove the center section like a targa, then lower the remaining convertible roof. In its stowed position, it sits kind of perched at an odd angle.
The look is cleaned up when the tonneau cover is in place.
Well...maybe.
This 1991 RX-7 cabriolet with an insanely low 35,400 km on the clock was the one and only FC convertible listed at the moment. It appears to be in lovely shape and has beautiful brown leather seats which may or may not have come from the factory.
There are some aftermarket aero bits including an unfortunate looking rear spoiler, but otherwise seems to be a fine example, and far less of a project than converting a US-spec non-turbo FC into a turbo.
(And before you say LS swap, the convertible has unique chassis bracing that makes most of the off-the-shelf LS swap parts incompatible.)
The only problem with the one FC convertible on goo-net at the moment is its advertised price of ¥2,890,000 which at today’s exchange rate is a hair over $26k!
But hey, now I have a new pastime: waiting for convertible FCs to show up on goo-net-exchange. Anyone know how to set up search alerts there? Actually no, don’t tell me, that will be bad for my marriage.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
06/09/2017 at 18:01, STARS: 0
I just found this:
https://kalispell.craigslist.org/cto/6168684123.html
I’d drive it, I like how flat the rear deck is.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/09/2017 at 18:07, STARS: 0
I’m not much of a Z32 convertible fan. Heavy, non-turbo, and the roll bar and raised top are unsightly.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/09/2017 at 18:07, STARS: 1
You know we have an Oppo member who is in the business of finding cars in Japan and shipping them all over the world, right?
I think Flavien will be able to tell you the average price for ones like this and might be able to help you with finding one if you like.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/09/2017 at 18:08, STARS: 1
I’m not seriously in the market right now but good to know.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/09/2017 at 18:13, STARS: 0
I have no idea what the FC would drive like with a turbo, but I do know that the non-turbo is still a hoot to drive, and easy enough to find. Have you driven one with a turbo?
"KevlarRx7" (kevlarsupra)
06/09/2017 at 18:15, STARS: 0
Currently got mine listed for sale, 47k miles and completely original, too bad I’m in the UK.
They’re awesome little cars, wouldn’t own a standard convertible, the turbo has enough punch to keep it fun with the extra weight.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
06/09/2017 at 18:21, STARS: 0
I think they look better in person than in photos, but yes the RX7 convertables much better than the Z32.
"KnowsAboutCars" (knowsaboutcars)
06/09/2017 at 18:29, STARS: 0
Some time ago there was a jdm FC convertible with period widebody kit for sale on local used car website. I think it might have been cheaper than $26k too.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
06/09/2017 at 18:55, STARS: 0
Let’s just say that I can most certainly find you a clean convertible FC Turbo II for A LOT cheaper :)
They are not common at all though and it would take me time to find one... so I’d recommend the coupe version...
EDIT: Only other one I could find sold for around 17k$... It would be 18-19k$ shipped... So not as cheap as I thought. Similary clean coupe, sell for half that...
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
06/09/2017 at 19:00, STARS: 1
It would be hard to determine the average price. Only other super clean low mileage convertible turbo 2 I could find, sold for around 17k$... It would probably be around 18-19k$ total delivered... But they are super rare to find...
Regular coupe version, just as clean and low mileage sell for half that...
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
06/09/2017 at 19:06, STARS: 0
Oh and seats are original on the Goo car... Speakers are in the headrests :)
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/09/2017 at 20:04, STARS: 0
I’m not particular on where exactly it comes from. I just figure since the FC RX-7 was sold in turbo form in the US, but not as a convertible, whatever paperwork and logistics involved in importing an FC turbo convertible would be easier than swapping the turbo drivetrain into a non-turbo US market car.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/09/2017 at 20:06, STARS: 0
The turbo coupe was sold in the US as well. The main reason to import a coupe from Japan would be to get a better condition one since most of the US ones are beat to hell by now. But I want a convertible. I’m not in any rush to make this purchase though.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/09/2017 at 20:07, STARS: 0
I was thinking the brown upholstery may not have been original. The only leather we got here was black or grey.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/09/2017 at 20:08, STARS: 0
Yeah I have a feeling this one is on the high end of the price range. I’d wait for something better priced.
"KevlarRx7" (kevlarsupra)
06/10/2017 at 05:42, STARS: 0
That’s mine there (excuse the mess it gets windy here) from a purist point of view I’d rather get one that was made as a turbo convertible... Rather than a swap
I picked mine a while ago, but unfortunately it is a automatic. Buy a good one and you won’t regret it.