Naoko Nishimoto, an 80-year-old woman from Nagasaki, Japan, recently decided to part ways with her beloved Mazda RX-7
Nishimoto’s journey with the RX-7 began when she was 55 years old. Inspired by the famous anime series Initial D, which she used to watch with her son, she fulfilled her dream of owning a rotary-powered sports car. Over the years, she drove the RX-7 for more than 77,000 kilometers (47,800 miles), keeping it in pristine condition through regular maintenance and careful driving.
When she felt it was time to stop driving, Nishimoto chose to return the car to Mazda rather than sell it to another owner. Mazda, which discontinued the RX-7 in 2002, saw this as an incredible opportunity to celebrate the loyalty of its customers and the lasting quality of its vehicles.
The handover was an emotional event, with Mazda employees welcoming both Nishimoto and her well-preserved RX-7. The company plans to preserve and display the car, honoring the legacy of both its legendary sports coupe and its devoted owner.
The Culture of Car Preservation in Japan
Japan is known for its meticulous car care culture. Many owners treat their vehicles as prized possessions, performing regular maintenance and avoiding excessive mileage. Strict Japanese vehicle inspection laws also encourage owners to keep their cars in top condition. This means that cars like this RX-7 often remain in remarkable shape, making them highly desirable to collectors worldwide.
The Growing Demand for Left-Hand Drive Cars in Japan
Another interesting aspect of the Japanese car market is the increasing number of left-hand drive (LHD) European vehicles available in local auctions. Many high-end brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche are sold in Japan in their LHD versions, making them attractive for export to Europe and beyond. The RX-7 sale is just one example of how Japan has become a goldmine for rare and well-maintained vehicles.
How You Can Find Hidden Gems Like This
This RX-7 sale highlights the incredible opportunities that exist in the Japanese auction market. Every day, hundreds of classic, luxury, and sports cars go up for sale at significantly lower prices than in Europe or North America. The key is knowing where to look and how to buy—which is where professional import/export services come in.
At Wexporautos, we specialize in sourcing, inspecting, and importing high-quality vehicles from Japan to Europe. Whether you’re looking for a JDM legend like the RX-7 or a premium left-hand drive European model, we handle the entire process, from bidding and inspection to shipping and full registration.