The pre-facelift second-generation Mazda Luce is probably one of the most underappreciated 1970s Japanese designs. Called the 929 when equipped with a piston engine and the RX-4 under rotary power, it struck just the right balance of elegance and menace. In all our years covering various car shows, we’ve only seen a handful of them. Hopefully more will come out of the woodwork, but we won’t be holding our breaths. Happy 929 Day from JNC.
I had the facelift model 1976. My parents owned it from new and passed it down to me. Beautiful car, sold it for $900 in 1999 massive regret for me that I sold it.
This was my dad’s first Mazda 929, although I never got the chance to ride in it because some idiot crashed into it, totaling the car. Then my dad bought the facelifted LA4, followed by a Mazda Cosmo HB series, and then the LA4 station wagon. REALLY hoping Mazda comes out swinging with the new rwd/inline 6 combo.
Happy 929 day indeed!
What Chevrolet wished they had built ! Great looking car.
One of my all time favorite designs. Didn’t know it was ever fitted with a piston engine. If I remember correctly, it was designed by Gandini/Bertone.
In the Middle East, the Mazda 929 was ALWAYS offered with a piston engine. Not sure what other markets had the same.
I owned one (dark green coupe) in ’75-’77. Loved the looks and the performance but the gas mileage started to both me. Sold it privately and have often wished I hadn’t. I agree that there never seem to be any around.