Mazda Roadpacer AP

Mazda Roadpacer AP
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Production	1975–1977
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	Sedan
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related	Holden HJ Premier
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L 13B Wankel
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1,530 mm (60 in)
Length	4,850 mm (191 in)
Width	1,885 mm (74 in)
Height	1,465 mm (58 in)
Curb weight	1,575 kg (3,472 lb)

The Mazda Roadpacer AP (Anti Pollution) is a full-size sedan that was sold by Mazda in Japan between 1975 and 1977, although the last car was not sold until 1979. It was based on the Australian Holden HJ and HX series Premier.^[1] Premiers were shipped to Japan without engines, and Mazda fitted a 1.3-liter 13B Wankel engine into the bay. Although the engine produced 100 kilowatts (130 hp) and 138 newton metres (102 lb·ft) of torque, the Roadpacer performed rather poorly as it weighed 1,575 kilograms (3,472 lb). The Roadpacer was introduced to compete with large Japanese flagship sedans Toyota Century, Nissan President, Isuzu Statesman de Ville, and the Mitsubishi Debonair.

While the 13B produced more power than the Red series motors that powered the equivalent Holdens, the lack of torque meant performance was restrained with a 166-kilometre-per-hour (103 mph) top speed, poor acceleration and terrible fuel consumption. Contemporary reports suggest 9 mpg (26 L per 100 km). The vehicle was not in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning engine displacement and exterior dimensions, and was classed in the mid-size car segment, while the engine displacement placed it in the lower annual road tax brackets. If the car was recognized as being for business use as an executive company car, the road tax bill was very minimal.

While the Holden HJ Premier itself was well equipped, Mazda decided to add more. Gadgets of note include a central locking system that activated when the car hit 10 km/h (6.2 mph), a chime system that activated at 90 km/h (56 mph), a dictation system and a stereo able to be controlled from both front and back seats.

The price was also considered high at 3.8 million yen (US$10,000) in 1975. This was about twice the price of a contemporary Mazda Cosmo or Mazda Luce. Originally intended as transport for high-ranking government officials, the car was sold in the wake of the first fuel crisis and was not a commercial success. Production ceased in 1977 with only 800 units sold.

The Roadpacer AP has the sole distinction of being the only General Motors product being fitted for production with a rotary engine.

Most were sold to government departments and were later crushed, meaning Roadpacers are rare nowadays; their counterpart model, the Holden Premier is considered a classic car in Australia.

References

1. Bedwell, Steve (2009). Holden vs Ford: the cars, the culture, the competition. Dulwich Hill, New South Wales: Rockpool. ISBN 978-1-921295-17-1.

External links

Media related to Mazda Roadpacer at Wikimedia Commons

• Official Mazda history of Rotary Engine Graffiti
• Mazda Roadpacer