Mazda Luce Rotary Coupé (マツダ・ルーチェロータリークーペ) (M13P). 1969–72 (prod. n/a). 2-door coupé. F/F, 1310 cm³ (Wankel 2 × 655 cm³). Attractive coupé in Mazda’s flagship Luce range, but with front-wheel drive, unlike the sedan and wagon. Actually longer than sedan, and wheelbase longer by 80 mm. Featured a two-rotor 126 PS Wankel engine, the only time Mazda produced one for front-wheel-drive application. Prototype, designed by Giugiaro, shown at Tokyo 1968. Well equipped. Super Deluxe with vinyl roof. Priced at the level of the Toyopet Crown Coupé. Considered unusual and less well equipped alongside Isuzu 117 Coupé. Excellent brakes, but as a cruiser, driving felt less responsive. Understeer with the FWD layout, which also caused overheating and driveshaft noises.

Manufacturing location: Hiroshima, Japan

Marque: Mazda | Model: Mazda Luce | Successor: Mazda Luce (LA2)