Mazda RX-7 Spirit R 25-Year Import Eligibility: April 2027
Estimate based on build month, not legal advice.
Build-date table
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Chassis | FD3S |
| Category | JDM |
| Estimated window | April 2027 – August 2027 |
| Source status | Partly supported: end of production Aug 2002 is primary (Mazda); start 9 Apr 2002 and chassis range are secondary |
| Build month for a specific car | always per-car — read it from the chassis plate / export certificate |
Reportedly first built 9 Apr 2002 and last built 26 Aug 2002. Secondary source only.
Build-date evidence
- Mazda news release (25 Mar 2002): Spirit R series, 1,500 units, on sale 22 Apr 2002 in Japan; FD3S production expected to end in August 2002. [primary] source
- Chassis-number data compiled from Mazda's parts catalogue by enthusiasts: first Spirit R FD3S-604509 built 9 Apr 2002; last FD3S-607313 built 26 Aug 2002. Not published by Mazda. [secondary] source
- Japan Vehicle Data repeats the same chassis/date range (secondary, derived from the same EPC research). [secondary] source
Grades: primary = manufacturer/official page; secondary = press, enthusiast or reseller site. Last checked 2026-10-17.
How to find a car's build date
- Read the manufacture month on the chassis/VIN plate (photograph it).
- Check the Japanese export certificate or manufacturer records where available.
- Do not rely on launch dates or model-year labels.
Import cost estimate
Use the import cost calculator (federal duty + MPF modeled; shipping, broker, compliance are your inputs).
Regulatory links
FAQ
When can I import a Mazda RX-7 Spirit R?
Estimated window: April 2027 – August 2027. Eligibility depends on the individual car's build month. The model-level build window is only partly supported (see evidence below); any individual car's month must still be read from its plate/export certificate.
Is the launch date the same as the build date?
No. The 25-year clock runs from each car's own manufacture date, not its launch date.
Does the EPA 21-year rule apply too?
EPA uses a separate test (calendar year of manufacture subtracted from year of import, original unmodified configuration). State rules such as California's are also separate.