Northern Rescue, a New Zealand-based rescue helicopter organization, is holding its 2026 JDM Lottery featuring a fully built 1986 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Series 4. One ticket costs $100 (P3,690), with a total limit of 4,000 entries before the winner is drawn. The funds go to the organization and help support rescue helicopters and their operations.
The RX-7 awaiting its new lucky owner comes from Dave Matehaere, who has owned the car since 2011 after his friend Sam Harrison, the previous owner, passed away. The coupe has been built, stripped down, and rebuilt, winning multiple car-show awards along the way.
With the trophies and shiny paint, you’d think this car were a garage queen, but that isn’t the case. The car was built to be driven, and yes, it still has the 13B rotary engine, albeit with a couple of modifications. As Matehaere likes to put it: “Win a show on Sunday, drive to work on Monday.” So, what exactly was put into the car?
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As mentioned, this RX-7 has a 13B rotary engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It has an extended port for better high-RPM performance and a Master Power GT35 turbo. Rotaries tend to run hot, so to help maintain optimal temperatures, there’s a V-mounted intercooler, twin-pass radiator, and twin oil coolers. There’s also an upgraded fuel system and an OS Giken twin-plate clutch.
The car sits on staggered Work Meister wheels with 18x9s up front and 19x10.5s out back. The BN Sports widebody kit, along with BC Gold coilovers, gives the sports coupe a nice, flush stance. Other upgrades include new glass and weatherstrips, upgraded brake hoses and fuel lines, a reconditioned steering rack, as well as improvements to the sound deadening, undertrays, and guard liners. The whole build has been estimated at around $80,000 (P2,951,428).
Tickets are available on Northern Rescue’s website until October 25, 2026, unless sold out prior. The eligibility doesn’t state that you have to be in New Zealand to participate, but it’s worth noting that if you do donate and win, there’s the issue of bringing it to the Philippines. Perhaps it’s time to amend our customs laws? We feel an RX-7 is worth it.
