Japanese woman returns beloved RX-7 to Mazda after 25 years
Dec. 18 was a momentous occasion for a senior citizen who was giving up her license.
For many elders, a sensible way of driving usually encapsulates a relaxed experience, with comfortable seats to pamper them as they tootle to key destinations and back.
Not so for 80-year-old Naoko Nishimoto of Nagasaki, whose sole choice of transportation for 25 years was a Mazda RX-7. A Japanese YouTube channel documented her final drive as she returned it to the dealer.
An incredible origin story
The car in question is no ordinary RX-7, it’s the third geneneration FD, the last iteration of the iconic rotary sports car. Although it bowed out of the U.S. market after 1995, the FD continued to be sold in Japan until 2002.
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Even better, Nishimoto saw it for the first time not on public roads but in the just-as-iconic anime Initial D, when AE86 rival Keisuke Takahashi appeared with a yellow RX-7 ready to challenge the tofu delivery boy.
“Watching the RX-7 in action, I fell in love at first sight,” she said in the interview with Tsukasa Nakagawa, host of the channel Boys and Wheels TV. As soon as her son told her it was a Mazda, she immediately went to her local dealership and bought the silver example you see here.
A ceremonious farewell
Youtube - Boys and Wheels TV
On Dec. 18, 2024, after 48,000 miles, many road trips, and daily ventures, Nishimoto decided it was time to part with her beloved RX-7 and drove it to the local dealer for the last time. The dealer celebrated her fabled ownership with a framed personalized plate and a letter from Mazda’s president, Masahiro Moro.
“Two years ago, when I was 78, I decided I would return my license at 80. I’ve enjoyed driving even more over these last two years, so I have no regrets about letting it go, she said. “Finally, to my RX-7, I want to say, ‘Thank you for 25 wonderful years. Thank you, RX-7’”
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What comes next for the RX-7
Mazda
Mazda bought the car back with the intention of sending it to Hiroshima for a thorough mechanical restoration before being shipped to Yokohama to be used for promotional purposes. Seeing as how it looks to be in such immaculate condition, the RX-7 will likely not require a major service.
Final thoughts
Mazda
Since the FD RX-7 is now 25 years old, it can legally be imported into the U.S. The proof of one woman’s journey and the immaculate state of her RX-7 means there could be more examples out there treated with such intricate care ripe for the picking.
Later FD RX-7s received enhancements like more power and improved brakes. Although not mentioned in the interview, Nishimoto's RX-7 is likely a Type RS based on the wheels and spoiler. These had a 4.30 final drive and bigger brakes to manage the speed.
Meanwhile, turn on the English captions and partake in the experience of a woman reliving her memories with the RX-7 and saying a heartfelt goodbye. Tears are unlikely to be optional.
