1975 Mazda Roadpacer AP

The Mazda Roadpacer AP, with the 'AP' representing 'Anti-Pollution,' was a full-size, front-engine sedan built between 1975 and 1977. Australian Holden HJ and HX series Premier models were shipped to Japan sans engine, and fitted with a 1.3-liter 13B Wankel engine, developing 130 horsepower and 102 lb-ft of torque. These Mazdas were built in cooperation with General Motors and the Australian subsidiary Holden.

The Roadpacer AP was built as a large and luxury sedan built to compete with other flagship vehicles in the Japanese home market, including the Nissan President, Isuzu Statesman de Ville, Toyota Century, and the Mitsubishi Debonair. Production was limited, adding to the vehicle's exclusivity, however, the Wankel engine was underpowered for such a stately (and heavy) automobile, especially compared with its Japanese V8 competitors. Rather than switching to conventional large-volume petrol engines, Mazda held firm to the tried-and-true rotary engines, maintaining a turbine-like level of refinement.

The Mazda Roadpacer was fitted with a central locking system that activated when the vehicle achieved 10 km/h, a chime system that announced speeds of 90 km/h, a dictation system, and a stereo that was controllable from both the front and back seats.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020