How many convertibles still out there?

[parrotfever]

Anybody have any idea how many are still on the road? Wikipedia claims 'Mazda exported approximately five thousand convertibles to the United States in 1988 and fewer in each of the next three model years'. No idea where their info is from.

How many members of this forum have one?

As I'm leaning more to the purist mentality in a rebuild, and as I'm the original owner, I'm just curious. I never knew there were so few to begin with. Besides, I'm past the point of taking any of you on in a speed run. I did, however, win one trophy for fastest time in the Spring of 1990 at a 'Mazda owner's Tech & Run' weekend in Westchster County, NY. And, yes, I was the ONLY 'vert' there, as I recollect. I was placed into the NA class as a result.

parrotfever Bob

[Dzire]

I just got one

[91convguy]

Has 153,000 put 117,000 of them on here myself. I believe few verts were sold those figures sound about right.

[firzen]

Just saw an immaculate one the other day at a car show. Not common but still a fair amount out there.

[need RX7]

I see quite a few of them, both in person and for sale, etc. I wouldn't call them 'rare' yet, but they are alot less common.

[Glenn DaGian]

What years were convertables offered for the RX-7s? Thanks...

[parrotfever]

Originally Posted by Glenn DaGian

What years were convertables offered for the RX-7s? Thanks...

Per Wickipedia - Several leading car magazines at the time also selected the convertible as one of the best rag-tops available on the market (see Automobile Magazine/January 1988, Performance Car Magazine/January 1989). Mazda exported approximately five thousand convertibles to the United States in 1988 and fewer in each of the next three model years, although it is difficult to confirm these figures, as Mazda USA did not keep RX-7 import records by model type. Production ceasing in October 1991 after Mazda marketed a limited run of 500 example for 1992 for the domestic market only. In Japan, the United Kingdom, and other regions outside the US, a turbocharged version of the convertible was available.

Many thanks to those responding. I'm wasn't assuming rare (like my friend's Torino Cobra - but who wants it?) but still in comparatively short supply.

parrotfever Bob

[yeti]

I have one and have seen about 3 or 4.

[Max777]

I got a 1991 FC vert, brave blue with 141,000K on the body.

[djmtsu]

If you need or want to find a vert, come to TN. I swear they are EVERYWHERE!!!!!

You can pick up a beater for about $600, or a mint one for about $4000.

[parrotfever]

Originally Posted by djmtsu

If you need or want to find a vert, come to TN. I swear they are EVERYWHERE!!!!!

You can pick up a beater for about $600, or a mint one for about $4000.

Ouch! Running? If so, the economics of a rebuild becomes more an exercise in unreality than logic. What the heck, half the adventure is the journey.

parrotfever Bob

[Tanj!]

Funny here in the Dallas area if I see another FC on the road it's almost always a vert.

[parrotfever]

Seems someone in the Mazda sales department figured verts made more sense down South - how's that for logic! I always enjoyed driving with the top down when it was snowing - as an old TR-3 owner, the 'wind block flap' made perfect sense to me.

The impression I get is that they're out there in certain areas. With that in mind, I'm thinking a little more radical as this project progresses. I'm gutting the car down now and have time to plan. I'll start asking for suspension recommendations next.

parrotfever Bob

[jimmy_trader]

I had an '88 (white/blue) and I have a '91 (white/black)
The '88 was showroom stock when I got it and crumpled like tinfoil when she died.
I take that back, the passenger compartment was wonderfully intact.
The '91 had been played with before I got her, so she may or may not see a TII swap.

Originally Posted by parrotfever

I'll start asking for suspension recommendations next.

My '88 needed new struts and I decided to go with KYB AGX for the replacements. The fronts adjust (1 soft, up to 4 stiff) at the top of the strut and the back ones are adjustable (1-8) from under the car. Since Verts don't have the same rear shock towers as coupes, this was my main selling point.
That and when I asked about 3 diff models, the guy I purchased them from replied:

"The tokico rides very smooth, the KYB AGX is damping adjustable so you can set the comfort rate, it's my favorite, The KYB gr2 is a very good choice but valved just a little stiffer than the Tokico HP"

I liked the AGX's so much that even though my '91 doesn't need new struts, I bought another set. This time with Eibach lowering springs.
Now if I can find a 5-speed transmission, I should be all set.
Aloha,
~j

[parrotfever]

Originally Posted by jimmy_trader

The '91 had been played with before I got her, so she may or may not see a TII swap.

Congrats on the recent addition! May you enjoy for years to come.

I've always had a soft spot for KYB and appreciate the advice. The current set up is non-adjustable KYB but I agree adjustable would be better. Consider them added to my 'want' list. Thanks!

parrotfever Bob