Luce In The Sky: 1974 Mazda RX-4
Mazda’s early 1970s rotary lineup included the compact Familia based RX-3, the mid-sized Capella based RX-2, and the Luce RX-4 — which was supposed to be Mazda’s personal luxury coupe. Unfortunately the RX-4 didn’t sell well in the US because the personal luxury coupe buyer wanted a comfortable ride, an automatic transmission, and low end torque, which is the exact opposite of a rotary powered Mazda. Find this 1974 Mazda RX-4 here on eBay
bidding for $5,600 with a few hours to go, located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The LA2/LA3 generation RX-4 is a good looking car, perhaps not as pretty as the previous generation that was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone design, but it looks like a miniature Dodge Challenger and that isn’t a bad thing.
Powering this RX-4 is a Mazda 13B rotary borrowed from a later RX-7 and mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The later engine should be good for around 150 horsepower and push the classic chassis around nicely.
On the inside you’ve got classic 70s plastic interior, velour seats, and what appears to be a concrete block sitting in the passenger foot well. The seller states there is zero rust on the car, but the car does show signs of a repaint with overspray in a few areas.
See another rotary powered classic? tips@dailyturismo.com
Here's a nice one Leno just did a bit on:
youtube.com/watch?v=rNsjQCBPUe0
mmmm mmmmm mmmmmm! I love that thing
The RX4 was plenty fast, even with an automatic, by far the quickest thing in its class with a slushbox.
But…it was selling into the first oil crisis and what it wasn't was economical.
Thermal reactor smog control, 14mpg average in the real world.
Very nice cars for their time otherwise, though.
Sold at $5800. Nice to see the RX4s getting some respect.
excellent sale, these are nicely shaped classics that are pretty unique. would love to own one for cruises and some autox action.
A blast to drive. However fuel economy was poor and this was the height of the gas crisis when it came out. Above 65, the mileage was decent. 1974 was also the start of the national 55 mph limit.