Reincarnated rotary up for grabs
An award-winning and fully certified 1986 RX-7 Series 4 worth $80,000 is up for grabs in Northern Rescue’s lottery.
Every ticket sold supports the life-saving work of the Auckland and Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopters.
But with just 4,000 tickets up for grabs, RX-7 enthusiasts will want to get in quick for a chance to win because this isn’t just any rotary.
This street-legal show vehicle has an impressive trophy cabinet to match its stunning finish. It has been showcased at Rotary Nationals, taking out best Mazda RX-7 Series 4 and 5 – the second-generation model – in 2017, 2018 and 2019. You can grab your ticket here www.jdmlottery.org.nz
Its winning streak continued in 2018 when it claimed best Gen 2 RX-7 at RE Union, the largest rotary-car event in the southern hemisphere, before taking out best coupe at Atsumaru at Taupo Motorsport Park later that year. In 2019, it was H-Town Hardpark’s best rotary.
Repainted in indigo light this year, it has been fully and meticulously restored by Dave Matehaere. This is the second reincarnation of the vehicle in his ownership.
“The car is now very different and much better than when it was last on the show scene.” Matehaere labels it a “win a show on Sunday, drive to work on Monday kinda car”.
For Matehaere, this beauty is more than just a vehicle because it marks his 12th rotary and the end of an incredible journey. He took ownership of it in 2011 and has poured years of time and hard work into rebuilding it.
And this RX-7 carries a deeper meaning. It was previously owned by Matehaere’s good friend, the late Sam Harrison, and the former has been determined to honour his mate’s legacy by taking the car to the next level of class and finish.
Matehaere is now ready to pass the vehicle on and give someone else the chance to create their own memories with it.
He smiles: “Now I can keep Sam’s legacy alive through Northern Rescue’s lottery, while doing some good by supporting the Auckland and Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopters. It’s a great way to hand over my custodianship, which is why I’ve worked so hard to do Sam’s RX-7 justice.
“It’s a chance for someone to own the car in the finished state Sam had dreamed of and make it their own. Although I’ve done a heap of work rebuilding and showing it, it’s still a blank canvas despite being a fully built vehicle.
“It is a road car that’s fun, safe, driveable and completely functional, but is capable of someone taking it to 600hp if they wanted."
With a fully customised interior and a stash of genuine Mazda parts imported from the US, Matehaere says a peek under the hood reveals what looks like a magazine car.
As for life without the 12th rotary he has owned, he will miss it but plans to take a break to spend more time with his family and play some golf.
So, will there be another project around the corner? “Well, I’m a self-confessed car lover and I must admit my dream car is an XB Falcon coupe hard top. Now that could be a good vehicle for a future lottery. Just don’t tell my wife.” To buy a ticket, visit www.jdmlottery.org.nz
RX-7’s specs sheet
Car: 1986 Mazda RX-7 Series 4, VIN: FC3S106212, rego: 13B2NV, engine: 13B turbo, block: Holdsworth Automotive built extend ported 13B, 3mm apex seals, three window bearings, modified oil pump.
Intake: Series 6 RX-7 intake and throttle body, v-mounted high-flow intercooler. Turbo: Master Power GT35. Fuel: Single in-tank 750hp-capable Walbro fuel pump, Tomei fuel-pressure regulator, 550cc primary injectors, 1,680cc secondary injectors.
Ignition: NZEFI internally ignited coil packs, ECU: Link G4 RX, Cooling: v-mount set-up with huge twin-pass radiator, 14-inch SPAL fan, Davies Craig electric water pump, twin oil coolers.
Drivetrain: Series 6 RX-7 five-speed, OS Giken flywheel and twin-plate clutch, factory series 5 limited-slip diff.
Struts: BC gold coil overs, Super pro bushes all around, part shop Max camber links, diff mount and tow arms. Wheels: Work Meister 2piece, fronts are 18x9, rears are 19x10.5.
Exterior: BN Sport defend widebody kit and bumpers, custom blue paint, custom bonnet to suit the v-mount intercooler.
Some other upgrades
Removing engine, suspension and subframe – full engine bay respray and refresh of all painted parts in the bay. New twin 19-row oil coolers, full underbody seal and detail, full custom retrim front and rear seats with blue-diamond stitching, carpet refresh.
Up-to-date sound system install, full internal Dynomat, custom alloy undertray and guard liners, reconditioned FD gearbox, new exhaust system and wheel bearings, fresh service and warrant, new windscreen and door glass, and new weather strips, rubbers and external trim.
Tinted windows, central locking, retrofit of original heater system, new brake hoses and upgraded fuel lines, and new electric Davis-Craig EWP150 water pump with controller in centre console.
Fabricated custom steel bonnet, big brake overhaul with new master cylinder, lines rear callipers and upgraded pads, replaced rack ends, rod ends and reconditioned steering rack, upgrade to 200amp alternator. To buy a ticket, visit www.jdmlottery.org.nz
