Overview of the Mazda RX-7 Type RB FD3S
This 2001 Mazda RX-7 Type RB is a blue FD3S, the final generation of Mazda's rotary sports car, listed at USS Tokyo as lot 65015 for the auction on 15 October 2026. It shows 22,000 kilometres, approximately 13,670 miles, and carries an overall auction grade of 4 with an interior grade of B and an exterior grade of 4. The data lists the transmission as automatic, which makes it a less common choice than the manual cars that dominate the market.
Low mileage FD3S models are getting harder to find in good order, and a car with this little use deserves a close look. The photograph shows a clean blue car on the auction floor with bronze multi spoke wheels and a deep front lip. No auction sheet image is available for this car yet, so this report relies on the listing data and the photograph.
The Drive Review
The FD3S is one of the lightest and best balanced rear wheel drive sports cars of its era. The engine sits low and well back behind the front axle, the bodywork is compact, and the double wishbone suspension at both ends gives it a poised, precise feel that few modern coupes match. Steering is light but communicative, and the car rewards smooth inputs rather than brute force.
Power comes from the 13B REW, a 1.3 litre twin rotor engine with sequential twin turbochargers. Engine capacity, fuel and drive are not stated in the auction data, but these are the standard specification for the model. The rotary delivers its power with a smooth, high revving rush and a distinctive buzzing note, and the sequential turbos remove much of the lag that older turbo cars suffered. There is no piston engine torque low down, so the car likes to be worked.
This example is an automatic, which changes the character. It suits relaxed road use and eases traffic driving, though it gives up some of the involvement of the five speed manual. Buyers who want the fastest, sharpest version will normally prefer a manual, while those wanting a usable and rare low mileage car may find the automatic appealing. Compared with a modern sports car, the FD3S feels light, mechanical and alive, with no electronic aids to speak of.
Auction Details
The car is offered at USS Tokyo, lot number 65015, on 15 October 2026 Japan time. The auction grade is 4, the interior grade is B and the exterior grade is 4. The auction start price is ¥2,000,000. The inspection date and registration date are not confirmed in the data and no auction sheet image is available to check them.
Similar cars sold at Japanese auctions have recently reached between £18,115 and £24,711, typically about £19,214. These are auction results, not Autoselecta's own sales, and the range includes other versions and conditions. The Autoselecta guide bidding range for this car is £17,000 to £24,000. This is an estimated bidding range, not a guaranteed purchase price, and the car may sell above or below it. For the minimum bid and the landed cost to your country, please use the price panel on this page.
All bids must be submitted before 9PM UK time the evening before auction.
Vehicle Specifications
Manufacturer: Mazda. Model: RX-7. Grade: Type RB. Chassis code: FD3S. Year: 2001. Body style: two door coupe. Exterior colour: blue, with the factory colour code not confirmed in the data. Interior colour: not confirmed. Transmission: automatic according to the data. Mileage: 22,000 kilometres, approximately 13,670 miles.
Engine capacity, fuel and drive are not given in the auction data. For the FD3S the engine is the 13B REW twin rotor sequential twin turbo and the car is rear wheel drive, though this has not been verified from a sheet for this particular car. Kerb weight and exact power output are not confirmed here.
Factory Features and Equipment
No equipment list is given in the data and no auction sheet is available, so air conditioning, navigation, ETC, keys, books, manuals and the spare wheel are not confirmed. The photograph shows bronze multi spoke alloy wheels, a body coloured front bumper with a prominent lower lip and what appears to be a rear wing at the left edge of the frame. It cannot be confirmed whether these are factory items or aftermarket parts, and the wheels may not be original. The Type RB was the more road oriented FD3S, with a more comfortable trim than the Type RS, but check the full specification once you have the sheet.
Japanese Auction Report Translation
No auction sheet image is available for this car yet, so there are no inspector comments to translate. Nothing can be said about engine noise, transmission operation, leaks, warning lights, air conditioning, electrical faults, rust, accident repair, interior wear, service history or keys from the sheet. All of these are not confirmed. What we do have are the auction grades from the data, a grade 4 overall, grade 4 exterior and grade B interior. If a sheet is available from Autoselecta before the auction, request it and read the inspector comments before bidding.
Damage Diagram and Body Condition
The vehicle diagram is not available, so no scratch, dent, repair, repaint or replaced panel markings can be explained. In the photograph the blue paint looks glossy and even across the bonnet, wing and front bumper, and no obvious damage is visible from this angle. The photograph is a single front three quarter view at low resolution, so it cannot reveal small marks, paint mismatch or repair work, and the rear and far side are not shown. Taken with the exterior grade of 4, the car appears to be in good, usable enthusiast condition, but this cannot be confirmed without the sheet.
Interior Condition
The interior grade is B, which at auction normally indicates an interior with some signs of use but no serious damage. No interior photograph or sheet is available, so the condition of the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, headlining, carpets, odours and the mileage display is not confirmed. The FD3S has a low, wrap around cockpit with a driver focused layout, and the soft touch dashboard materials and seat bolsters are worth checking on any car. With only 22,000 kilometres shown, wear should be light, but the mileage itself is not verified against the sheet.
Japanese Auction Grades
Japanese auction grades run from R and RA for repaired cars, through 1 and 2 at the bottom, up to 5 for exceptional examples. A grade 4 car is generally above average for its age, with only light flaws, while an interior grade B is acceptable condition with moderate signs of use. Please read these grades together with the sheet, which is the real guide.
Model History
The FD3S was introduced in 1991 and sold in Japan until 2002, replacing the FC. It was designed around a light, compact two seat layout, and its curved body is still regarded as one of the most beautiful sports car shapes of the 1990s. The rotary engine received sequential twin turbos from launch, and the car went through eight series in Japan, gaining power, refinement and chassis changes over time. The 2001 model year falls in the final Series 8 cars, built shortly before the end of production.
Mazda's rotary programme also carried deep motorsport credibility, including the 787B victory at Le Mans in 1991, which cemented the engine's place in the company's identity.
Why This Model Has Become Collectible
The RX-7 FD3S is the last of Mazda's front engined rotary sports cars before the RX-8, and it was sold in small numbers compared with its rivals. A great many were modified, crashed or worn out, so unmodified low mileage survivors are now scarce. The engine is a talking point in itself, and the car's light weight, rear drive balance and manual gearbox heritage make it a favourite with drivers who want an analogue experience. Demand now comes from buyers around the world, and clean cars are increasingly hard to source from Japan.
This car is an automatic, so it will appeal to a different part of the market than manual cars. Its low mileage and grade 4 rating help its case, but the value of any individual car depends on its sheet and condition. This is not a guarantee of future values, and the car should be bought to enjoy rather than as an investment.
What To Look For When Buying This Model
The 13B REW is the key area. Apex seals wear with time and mileage, and compression loss shows up as hard hot starting, rough idle or poor power. A compression test or a rotary specialist's check is highly recommended. Even at 22,000 kilometres, long periods of sitting can be hard on the seals and the oil injection system, so ask about service history, which is not confirmed on the data.
The twin turbo system uses a very complex vacuum hose layout, and perished or incorrectly rerouted hoses cause boost problems and poor running. Heat management matters too, since the engine bay is tightly packed and coolant leaks, cracked plastic fittings and weak radiators are common. Check for signs of overheating and confirm that the cooling system has been maintained.
Check the sills, wheel arches and underbody for corrosion, and look for any signs of accident repair or respraying along the panel gaps. Because the automatic is unusual, ask about the transmission's behaviour, shift quality and fluid condition. Finally, look for non standard parts such as the wheels and the rear wing, as the sheet will show whether these are noted as modifications.
Why Import This Car From Japan
Japan is where the best FD3S cars have been kept, with mild climates, careful owners and a culture of detailed inspection. A low mileage car like this one is far easier to find at a Japanese auction than in most export markets.
Ultimate Guide For Japanese Imports
Buying from Japan involves the auction purchase, deregistration, export paperwork, shipping and then import and registration in your own country. Rules on age, emissions and safety vary by country, so check the requirements where you live before you bid.
Why Import Through Autoselecta
Autoselecta gives you direct access to Japanese auctions, with auction sheet transparency, vehicle sourcing, bidding assistance, export handling and shipping. We can support the import process in your country, provide tracking where available and stay in contact throughout.
Browse This Week's Japanese Auctions
If this RX-7 is not quite right, browse the other Japanese auction cars being offered this week, including more rotary sports cars and other performance models.
Live Auction Search
Use the live auction search to find other Mazda RX-7 cars and similar vehicles, filter by grade, mileage and price, and ask us to research any lot that interests you.
Auction Caution
Auction cars are inspected before sale but are still used vehicles. An auction sheet is an independent condition guide, not a mechanical warranty. This car has no sheet available yet, so no inspector comments, damage marks or service details can be confirmed. Rotary powered performance cars of this age may need servicing, maintenance or refurbishment after purchase, particularly around the engine seals, cooling system and vacuum hoses. Please check the sheet carefully if one becomes available before you bid.
