One thing I do really like about the S1 and S2 interiors is the single-DIN stereo opening. Aftermarket headunits fit without looking all weird like they do in the S3 interior.

Although it will be said there are certain guys (e.g. David Lane) who know how to do it right:

 

Im partial to a nice all black S2 interior. The S1/S2 interiors just feel appropriate for a 1st gen. They are more simple and direct, and the radio surround/ash tray/HVAC controls just look classier and mechanical . The S3, as well as S4/S5 all seem to have much more of the late 80's cheap attempt to look technologically advanced thing going on. The only part of S3's and on I do like are the seats, which is why I have S4 seats in mine

 

Only down-check on the original SA interiors, too; those molded-in "stitch" lines that offset the center section of the door panels were a little declasse'. The pattern's nice, but on close inspection they do look a little gimmicky.

Not nearly as bad as my old 91 Camaro, though; that interior trim had molded-in fake 'aircraft' access panels all over the place, complete with molded-in fake hex cap screws.

 

I think the 84-85 has one of the cleanest functional interiors of any 80's car. Even today it looks good, shows you how a clean design can stand the test of time.

Also, has anyone seen an 84-85 dash with a crack? What the heck did they use, I live in Florida and have seen cars left out in the sun for all it's life, no cracks. Got to love the quality.

 

Never have. It blows my mind. Whatever they used, BMW and Porsche should have been using. With the typical E24/E28 or 928 dash, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when...

The top edge of my glovebox door, on the other hand, is pretty wavy from sun-induced shrinkage.....

 

I believe its fair to say that peeps should not compare apples and bananas since whatever it is, it was good at that time and vice versa. Otherwise, you will never be satistified or content. For example, everytime i buy something, i dont look at prices ar other store. Otherwise, i will be upset for paying more at Store A than Store B.

 

I think it's pretty easy to figure out by all the above comments, the one you first had and spent time with and fell in love with leaves you partial to it. I am the same way, every time I get in an 81-83 I feel like I'm home. 84-85 just doesn't feel like it exudes that uniqueness that the previous models do, more classic sports car, not the I don't quite know where I fit in feel of 84-85. I do miss my GSL-SE that being said though because it ties everything together better.

 

You're right. I like the 84-85 interior better because my brother had one like 20 years ago.

 

I will tell ya that the earlier models had more room. Look classic, had the center tach which is where it should be on a rotary and simply LOOK like what the original RX7 should be... very retro.. 85 to me looks too modern

 

Early interiors win the sporty award and the later wins the classy award. I have an 84 in brown and I would like an S2 with black.

 

I have found through the years, that usually with rare exception, the first interior designs usually stick with the cars image as the one that is usually associated with what is a proper design. Of course, theres also the baby bird syndrome in which whatever design you are first exposed to will usually color your opinion. That being said, although my first RX-7 was a GSL-SE, I was very disappointed that the tachometer wasn't front and center. To me, that tach is what reminds me of what makes the rotary special. So, ya, I love the early years 79-83... and even the digital clock in the 83 looks out of place with me preferring the analog clock much more.

 

Yeah but do the old clocks still work as good as the digital ones??? I know the digital clock are easier to read. Especially at night.

Sent from my iPad using RX7Club. how bout that!

 

It is a bit of a rectangular peg in a round hole; it's true.

...until the LEDs start to fade...

 

Well mine is an 82 still going strong. It that a common problem or should I say ANOTHER common problem???

Sent from my iPad using RX7Club. how bout that!

 

Not sure. I've had three '84-'85s; the first two's clocks worked fine, but the new SE's digits are faded. I swapped in a clock from an '84 parts car and it improved a bit, but there's still a definite gradient down near the bottom.

Will either send it to one of those clock restoration places, or just try yet another from a parts car. It's not really high on the priority list just yet.

 

The original clocks can be rebuilt easily.. Usually all they need is cleaning since they are Quartz..

 

Here's a question, 84-85 no such thing as a black interior, wonder why. How hard is it to dye those 84-85 dash anybody try?

 

Not to thread jack, but I think that the S1/S2 interior in the OP is the BEST interior I've ever seen.

Does anyone have any other pictures of it? And I'm TOTALLY gonna use that as my color scheme on my new 79. :P

 

I got it from a quick Google image search for "1983 rx-7 interior." Looks like it originated from "coloradomazdaclub.com."

 

S1 interior hands down.
I feel much more comfortable in the S1 interior than the S2.