The Manual Transmission Mazda RX-8 Sold for a Whopping $61,000, Leaving Car Enthusiasts in Awe and the New Owner Over the Moon.

The Mazda RX-8 is an intriguing sports car with unique reverse-opening doors, similar to those found on later Rolls-Royce models. It is also considered a legendary JDM car, sought after by JDM enthusiasts for its unique style and performance.

In July 2024, a special 2015 Mazda RX-8 appeared on the used car market in Vietnam. What made this car stand out was its rare manual transmission, as most RX-8s in the country are equipped with automatic transmissions. The seller advertised it as the only manual RX-8 in Vietnam, and with its unique features, it soon caught the attention of car enthusiasts.

The asking price for this rare manual RX-8 was an astounding 1.4 billion VND, nearly double the average market price for this model. Understandably, many interested buyers could only inquire out of curiosity, unable to commit to such a high price. However, after three months, the car disappeared from the market, having found its new owner.

The new owner of this wide-body kit, manual transmission RX-8 is none other than a well-known Vietnamese entrepreneur with the largest car collection in the country and possibly in the ASEAN region. Valued at an estimated 4,000 billion VND, his collection includes approximately 700 cars, with the Mazda RX-8 being one of the gems.

What sets this particular RX-8 apart from the other two in the collection is not just the manual transmission but also its striking exterior modifications. The car has been fitted with a wide-body kit, significantly increasing its width and giving it a more aggressive stance. The rear wheel arches have been flared the most, with the front arches also widened to a lesser extent. The car also features side skirts and extended panels on both sides of the front and rear, enhancing its muscular appearance.

The interior of the car is finished in a dark color scheme and features the signature suicide doors of the RX-8, with the rear door hinges mounted in reverse, facilitating easier entry and exit for rear passengers, reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce style.

Under the hood, the Mazda RX-8 is powered by a Renesis rotary engine with a displacement of 1.3 liters, producing a modest 189 horsepower in earlier models and an increased output of 238 horsepower in the 2008-2012 versions. This engine offered financial advantages to Japanese consumers due to its small displacement, resulting in lower annual road taxes. The car featured in this article is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, providing an engaging driving experience.

With its unique combination of style, performance, and rarity, it’s no wonder that this Mazda RX-8 found its place in one of the most prestigious car collections in Vietnam.