Mazda RX-7 import guide
FB · FC · FD3S · 13B rotary · twin-turbo
The Mazda RX-7 is the rotary halo car — light, beautifully balanced, and powered by the compact 13B Wankel, with the FD's sequential twin-turbo 13B-REW as the crown jewel. We source RX-7s from Japan, where the best-kept rotaries still live.
- 13B rotary
- Sequential twin-turbo (FD)
- Near 50:50 balance
At a glance
Mazda RX-7 quick facts
- Type
- Sports coupe
- Engine
- 13B rotary; 13B-REW seq. twin-turbo (FD)
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Chassis
- FB (1978–85), FC (1985–92), FD (1992–2002)
- Notable
- FD3S — sequential twin-turbo, ~50:50 balance
- Import eligibility
- FB & FC eligible; FD rolling in by year
Overview
Why import a Mazda RX-7
The RX-7 is the definitive rotary sports car. The compact, lightweight 13B lets Mazda place mass low and central, giving all three generations a delicacy of handling that's hard to match. The FD3S added a pioneering sequential twin-turbo setup and one of the prettiest shapes of the 1990s.
Japan-market cars are prized for condition and spec — clean, unmolested rotaries are increasingly rare, and Japanese auctions remain the best place to find them.
- Iconic 13B twin-rotor engine
- Sequential twin-turbo 13B-REW in the FD
- Exceptional balance and light weight
- Rising values, especially clean FDs
Chassis
FB, FC & FD explained
The first-gen FB/SA (1978–1985) and second-gen FC (1985–1992) are fully import-eligible — the FC Turbo II is a strong-value entry into rotary ownership. The third-gen FD (1992–2002) is the icon, becoming eligible model year by model year under the 25-year rule.
- FB / SA — 1978–85, the original, fully eligible
- FC — 1985–92, including the Turbo II, fully eligible
- FD3S — 1992–2002, sequential twin-turbo, rolling in
- Spirit R and special editions among the most coveted FDs
Buyer notes
What to look for at auction
- Rotary compression and cold-start behavior
- Cooling-system condition — rotaries are heat-sensitive
- Quality of any prior rebuild or tuning; apex-seal history
- Accident history and chassis straightness (auction sheet)
- Originality — unmodified FDs command big premiums
Importing
Importing an RX-7 to the U.S.
FB and FC RX-7s are eligible now; the FD becomes eligible on the 25th anniversary of its build date, so build month matters. We verify eligibility before purchase.
Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.
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FAQ
Mazda RX-7 import — common questions
- Is the FD RX-7 legal to import yet?
- Eligibility is rolling. The FD3S was built from 1992 to 2002, and each car becomes importable on the 25th anniversary of its build date. We confirm the build month before purchase.
- What engine does the RX-7 use?
- All generations use Mazda's 13B twin-rotor Wankel. The FD's 13B-REW added a pioneering sequential twin-turbo system; the FC Turbo II is single-turbo.
- Are rotary engines reliable?
- They reward maintenance. Cooling health, proper warm-up, and oil discipline matter more than on a piston engine. A well-kept or properly rebuilt 13B can be dependable — always check compression and history before buying.
- RX-7 FC vs FD — which should I import?
- The FC is more affordable and fully eligible now; the FD is the more valuable, sequentially twin-turbocharged icon that's rolling into eligibility. Choose based on budget and the specific car's condition.
- Is a Mazda RX-7 street-legal in the U.S.?
- Once 25+ years old and federally cleared, yes. As a passenger coupe, registration is generally straightforward — confirm your state's emissions and titling rules.
Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.
Ready to import a Mazda RX-7?
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