If you are looking for one of the rarest Mazda RX-7's ever to grace the shores of Australia then look no further than Shannon's Spring Auction in Melbourne.
The auction house is selling a 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP on Monday of next week (September 19). It is one of only 25 in existence and is in impeccable condition with a mere 22,700 kilometres on the odometer.
The one-owner car has been pampered and cared for well in its 21 year life, and has only ever been driven on weekends. In Shannon's opinion, it is one of the nicest SPs on the market.
The SP is steeped in Australian motor racing history, and it was only built as a homologation special so Mazda could compete in the Australian GT Championship.
The car was developed for Mazda by fabled racing specialist and Mazda Racing Team Manager, Allan Horsley.
Many modifications were made to the SP over the standard RX-7. These modifications included bigger brakes, limited edition 17-inch alloy wheels, a larger 110-litre carbon fuel cell, 4.3:1 ratio rear differential, composite-backed Recaro racing seats, a lightweight bonnet, carbon-fibre nose, front spoiler and a prominent rear wing.
In addition, there were also significant power increases in the SP thanks to a new intercooler, a modified exhaust and a new ECU that together produced an impressive 204kW and 357 Nm.
The RX-7 was very successful in its racing career; winning the 1995 12 Hours of Eastern Creek and beating its principal competition in the form of the Porsche 968 Clubsport. The SP also went on to place in Targa Tasmania during the same year.
The 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP is being offered as a 'no reserve' lot in the spring auction and Shannons estimates a price range of $45,000 - $55,000.
Also at the spring auction is an original, two-owner 1970 Ford XY GT. The Yellow Ochre GT has spent a large majority of its life in storage and presents in very good condition.
One of just 301 GTs made in November 1970, the GT is also fitted with desirable options such as a four speed manual, wing-back sunroof and most importantly retains the original 351 V8 engine.
There is 'no reserve' on the GT and Shannon's is estimating a price range of $80,000 - $100,000.
Other excellent Aussie machines at the auction include a 1970 Holden HG Monaro GTS 186S Coupe, a very well done Falcon XW GT replica and a 1977 Holden HX V8 Ute.
The auction will be at Shannon's Melbourne premises on Monday, September 19, starting from 7pm.