The third generation Luce (the LA4-series, the second generation 929) introduced in 1977 was sold on the Japanese market in a number of rotary versions.

It was planned for export as the RX-9 and was very close to leave Japan before the plans were stopped: the shop manual had been printed and the RX-9 badge had been manufactured in large numbers (in fact, it is said that it can still be ordered). Also, the technical specifications had been distributed worldwide as the RX-9 can often be found in aftermarket parts catalogs.

It can be assumed that only one rotary version was intended for export, but during the first 2 years the initial model with the stacked headlights were offered in 2 different body versions each with the choice of two different rotary engines in addition to a 2L 4-cylinder.

Here is a picture of the first version: the pillared hardtop with 13B

BR
Bo

 

Here is a picture of the second version: the sedan with 13B.

BR
Bo

 

Here is a picture of the third version: the pillared hardtop with 12A.

BR
Bo

 

Here is a picture of the fourth version: the sedan with 12A.

BR
Bo

 

And here should have been a picture of the final facelifted version from 1979 (with large single-lens headlights) which apparently only was offered as a pillared hardtop with 13B, however, the file was too big.

BR
Bo

 

Does anyone else think that it looks a little like the old Ford LTD's?

 

does anyone think like me ?
it looks like a giant turd

 

Wow, a Ford Grenada with a rotary. I think I'm gonna cry now.

 

ugh, it has the nasty red cloth interior all japanese and american cars seemed to have in the late 70's.

 

porscheguy it looks like a LTD shortened just a bit.hahahah

 

Aye!

 

To hell wit dat!!! If Mazda built a "REAL" RX-9, It should be a mid-engine 3 rotor supercar putting down 500 hp.

 

that's EXACTLY what I was thinking . . .

 

Thank goodness Mazda didn't tranish the rotary with an ***-vehicle like that!

 

I've noticed a trend here. Everyone who's posted in this thread, who owns an RX-7, thinks the Luce looks bad.

 

Well, Mazda offered both body versions of the third generation Luce with a choice of 2 rotary engines.

Bad-looking? I think it looks "wonderfully unusual". Where else do you get a formal hardtop sedan with stacked headlights and a rotary?

BR,
Bo

 

I don't have an RX-7.

 

I don't own any car.

I just hate it because it looks like a ******' Grenada, one of the biggest shitmobiles ever. I don't think it's a disgrace to the rotary or anything, I just think it's ugly.

 

Yeah I'd have to agree with the wonderfully unusual comment, it's interesting to see some of Mazda's attempts at different ways of using the rotary engine. But still, if I were to get any Luce besides the RX-4, it would have to be the 2nd generation Luce aka HC3S:

 

Yep. And the HB cosmo that's on the same chassis is a great car too.

 

The Mazda platforms HB and HC do not have much in common. The HC is a much larger and more modern car with an advanced multi-link rear suspension - at least compared to the HB.

The HB was the fourth Luce and the HC was the fifth Luce.

BR,
Bo

 

Nice to get to know the story behind the Rx-9.
I have seen parts catalogs for the Rx-9 and I wondered where this car was sold ?
Nowhere seems the correct answer.
I will check if I can find these badges !

 

Someone knows there ****. You are correct. The HC series was the 5th gen Luce.

That pictured Luce above was wicked. Would have been great if it was exported as an RX-9.

One of the advantages of being ina rhd country is the ability to import your own Jap-spec 13Bt Luce. here are pics of mine. A little more tame than the one above.

Now, where are those Rx-9 badges..........

 

Wow, those are mighty ugly in my opinion.

 

hell yeah lol