The second-generation 'FC' Mazda RX-7 debuted for 1986, and for 1987, US buyers could get the Turbo II model. It featured the 182 hp 13B-T, a turbocharged and intercooled version of Mazda's rotary engine, which transformed the car's performance. With styling often compared to the Porsche 944, the Turbo II offered a sophisticated package that set it apart from its predecessor and other Japanese competitors.
Collectors appreciate the Turbo II for its unique driving dynamics and 1980s aesthetic. The turbocharged rotary delivers power in a smooth, high-revving rush that's unlike any piston engine. Finding an unmodified example is the main challenge for buyers today, as many were modified for street performance or drifting. A stock Turbo II is a rare find and represents a significant model in the evolution of Japanese sports cars, sitting between the original RX-7 and the later FD.
The market for the FC Turbo II has shown steady growth. With an average sale price around $21,910 across 45 recent transactions, they're no longer the budget sports cars they once were. The wide price spread, from project cars under $6,000 to pristine examples fetching over $60,000, reflects the premium placed on condition, originality, and low mileage.
Buying Tips
- Rotary engine health is paramount. Check for blue smoke on startup or deceleration (apex/oil seals) and white smoke (coolant seal failure). A compression test from a rotary specialist is highly recommended.
- Inspect carefully for rust, a common issue for this era. Key areas include the metal sunroof panel, under the rear storage bins, the floor pans, and around the rear strut towers.
- Many of these cars were modified. Prioritize stock or lightly modified examples, as poorly executed upgrades can lead to reliability nightmares. Check for hacked wiring, cheap boost controllers, and mismatched components.
- Test all electronics. Power windows, headlight motors, the digital clock, and instrument cluster warning lights are all common failure points that can be tedious to fix.
- The cooling system is critical to a rotary's survival. Ensure it holds temperature, look for an upgraded aluminum radiator, and check for any signs of leaks or overheating during a test drive.
Based on 45 recent sales, prices range from $5,600 for project cars to $63,000 for concours-quality examples.
223 Mazda RX-7 FC Turbo II vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 75 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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