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Yes, it's a little dowdy on the outside, but check out the digital dash on the Royal Classic! The Japanese HC Luce was rear-wheel drive, had independent rear suspension, and an adjustable suspension. Also, Wiki says it was about 3,000 lbs, which is pretty light by modern standards.
I think one of these, especially as a pillarless hardtop with the rotary 13B Turbo-II and the 5-speed manual, is a prime candidate for a restomod. New wheels, dark windows, upgrade brakes and suspension and add more power (surely a 13B-DEI is capable of more than 185 hp in 2019) and you've got an awesome sleeper or collectible. It's a prime candidate for one of those online or YouTube upgrade projects, especially as it should meet age exemptions for imports.
I'm not sure how many of these are still out there. Hopefully they haven't all gone to the junkyard. This one's a bit much for my taste, but you get the point.
Never got them in the US. But if it was, it would already be a very sought after classic. I think because of most users here on the Forum are US based, is why it get's mostly ignored.
The guy i picked up my GTU from has one in Florida. It's a very nice RHD car he took to Deals gap in 2018. Most are unfamiliar with the car or even that it came with a Rotary.
Never really gave much thought to the Luce. Looking at it now, I guess it would be cool to have in a collection, maybe something that you'd drive to meets and such.
Yes, it would be more popular if 1) people knew about it 2) it became available in North America.
I like the stock lines of the Luce, but it could definitely use more "pop" in terms of paint colors and wheel options (and maybe some detailing updates like the grill, the lights, and bumpers).
I'd want one with a street port and maybe 250-350 horsepower – not too loud, and with as much low-midrange torque as possible for street driving and carrying passengers/cargo, running A/C, etc., a reasonable ride height, and some modern sound insulation. In other words, an awesome daily driver without crazy track stuff.
Most people probably wouldn't try to convert the 929 sedan to a rotary – the pillarless hardtop looks better and starting with a rotary and manual transmission is way easier. The main problem would be the RHD layout – as long as you are cool with that and it is legal in your area.
04-29-19, 12:52 PM
