Driving Sports

These days, it seems like everyone has their hand out looking for some cash from the government. But if you look around, you can find examples of folks doing the right thing in their own small way.

Cancer took Patti Wilhelm's life in June of 2008. Patti was a woman of many passions, including motorsports and her personal RX-7. Patti was also an advocate for shelter animals.  It was her request that her car be sold as a fundraiser for The Humane Society of the United States when she was gone.

In order to help maximize her gift, Autoweek Magazine agreed to host the auction for free. What is available here is a primo completely restored 1984 Mazda RX GSL-SE. This was the ultimate first-gen RX-7, with a  fuel injected engine producing 135 horsepower and 135 lb·ft of torque. Additionally, the GSL-SE came with a limited slip rear axle, upgraded suspension, and upgraded front and rear disc brakes.

CAR: 1984 Mazda RX GSL-SE
VIN: JM1FB3322E0812149.
MILEAGE: 291,300.
HISTORY: The car was purchased new by Patti from Valley Mazda in San Luis Obispo, California. In 2005 (@ ~ 285,000 miles) Patti spent approximately $10,000 to refurbish the car including emblems, u-joints, a transmission rebuild, resurfacing of the flywheel, rebuilt wiper motor, new weatherstriping on both doors and window channel, rebuilt power antenna, replace hatch struts, replace moldings on the windshield, replace struts and shocks with Bilstein and add threaded collars, replace window regulator, replace oil cooler, replace radiator, replace oil metering pump and resurface the wheels. In addition, she installed new tires and a new battery in 2007. The California registration is good through 1/10/09. The car passed most recent smog test in 2007.

Right now, the auction stands at a little less than $5,000. The auction will go until Midnight, eastern time, on Sunday December 14.  That means 9:00 PM Saturday, December 13 on the West Coast.

So, here's your chance to get a great classic sports car and do some good in the world besides. What are you waiting for? Click here to place your bid.