Description:

1997 Mazda Rx-7 IMSA gts-3 racecar

A rare opportunity to aquire one of the last tube frame rx7 racecars to run professionally in IMSA gts-3 and GTU competition

This tubeframe transaxle racecar is probably the most developed of all the rx-7’s to have raced in the glory years of IMSA competition. It started out as one of four specially made Mazda mx-6 tubeframe racecars to run for the 1990 imsa gtu championship. It was run by Al Bacon and in 1995 was the Hooters sponsored mx-6.  In 1997 it was re-bodied by well-known rx7 racer Roger Mandeville as a 3 rd generation rx7 to comply with the latest imsa rules.  That year the car raced at the 12 hours of Sebring, 24 hours of Daytona, and several races on the East coast. Prominent drivers were IMSA champion David Loring and lead singer of ACDC Brian Johnson. It proved very competitive against the Porsches and M3 BMW’s of the day. After a few races in 1998 it was retired from professional racing.

Features that made these tube frame racecars so special is the quality of the parts and brilliant engineering . They are fast even by today’s standards.

Engine

A period correct 13b peripheral port Mazda competition engine , with slide valve  fuel injected throttle bodies, 321 ss header, competition waterpump, and race clutch, 330 hp, 10,000 rpm redline.

Transaxle

A Hewland DGB 5 speed H pattern transaxle was chosen to handle the rigours of endurance racing.  Rated at 450 lb/tq it was bullet proof and provided quick precise shifts. Coupled with custom aerospace grade cv axles, Porsche 930 cv’s, and a carbon fiber driveshaft it was one of the strongest drivetrains on the grid.

Chassis

Bob Cuneo of Chassis Dynamics was one of the best builders of IMSA tubeframe racecars. In 1989-1990 he built 4 chassis for the upcoming IMSA season. The sister car went on to win the championship in 1990.    Weighing in at just over 2000 pounds makes for an excellent power to weight ratio.  Bob is still in business and has the blueprints for the car.

Suspension

Double A arm style front suspension, independent rear suspension, specific Chassis Dynamics uprights with single lug hubs, Bilstein race shocks, 18 inch BBS e88 3 piece race wheels, 12 inch wide in front, 13.5 inch rear, 13 inch front rotors, huge 4 piston Alcon and AP racing brakes with adjustable bias, quick ratio steering rack, and tubular sway bars 

Body

Mazda Competition 3rd gen imsa gts-3 body, featuring a one piece tail section, a roof, 2 sides, hood, and nose.  Carbon fiber right door and carbon fiber louvres, carbon - Kevlar front splitter, carbon fiber diffuser, and flat bottom floor in aircraft aluminum. All body work is still available through Mazda Competition. With flat sides, tail extensions, a sloped nose and a period correct aluminum rear wing the car produces amazing downforce.

I have spent the last 5 years restoring this car to pristine condition. Everything is either new, rebuilt, or new old stock. The engine and transaxle have 1 weekend on them. New items include a show quality paint job, new fire system, refurbished fuel cell, serviced fuel injectors, 12 new tires on rebuilt BBS wheels, new seat belts, all fresh fluids, repacked bearings and cv’s with neo grease, new heim joints, new radiator, hoses, rebuilt muffler, new exhaust, new battery, new air jack lines, new afr gauge, new oil temp gauge, new aircraft grade aluminum floor, new brakes, new rotor hats, new brake lines, new master cylinders, new splitter and diffuser, new windshield, new throttle cable, etc.

This car is in amazing condition and for the most part period correct.  A rare opportunity to own one of the last IMSA rotary racecars. A great car for vintage racing as it is very easy to maintain, easy on parts due to the light weight, and affordable to run. Or run the 25 hours of Thunderhill!

  The sale also includes a HSR logbook, set up sheets from AJR Racing, and a comprehensive spares package from the original team that ran the car.  Enough spares to run the car for many years with no expense .

 Spare parts include 10 wheels, 18 good rotors, rotor hats, 16 sets of brake pads, 6 uprights, control arms, steering rods, rod ends, carbon driveshaft, rotor housings, rotors, gears, ring and pinion, sensors, seals, bearings, wheel nuts, u joints, nose boxes, master cylinders,  right side body, wing, windshield, diffuser, fuel pumps, hd radiator, ultra light exhaust, taillights, clutch, swaybars, springs, cv’s, distributor, and more.

You can see the car in these videos on Youtube.

Will deliver from Greater Vancouver area to Portland Oregon

$79,000 USD