This 1970 Mazda Luce R130 is a very good looking example of the rare Giugiaro designed coupe. Mazda’s only FWD rotary powered car, less than 1,000 were made of which it seems very few good ones remain—typically in Japan, the model’s only official market. There’s no word on this one’s history, but pictures suggest it’s at least factory correct if not largely original. Find it here on Right Drive in Ontario, Canada for $59,900 CAD (~$51,994 today).

​It seems that most were painted white from the factory, frequently with a black vinyl top as seen here. Trailing arm rear suspension and a high tail show off the skinny rear tires and leave no mistake as to its drivetrain layout, which at the time was still somewhat unusual for larger, upmarket cars. Trim looks both complete and in nice shape as demonstrated by helpful close-ups, and overall we find it to be a very pleasant design reminiscent of an Italian-built second generation Corvair.

​Behind pillarless side glass, the interior is just as nicely designed, and red seats in an interesting and attractive material are clear highlights. A long, rakishly angled, wood-topped gearlever underlines the car’s Bertone design, though general dash shape and gauge layout clearly point in Italy’s direction as well. Mazda’s early rotary insignia seen on the good-looking steering wheel’s center is one of our favorite retired logos, while cool Rotary Coupe badging is affixed above the glove box door.

​It’s disappointing that no engine bay shots are provided, especially considering the car’s unusual front drive Wankel layout—besides the NSU Ro80 we can’t think of another to use the same setup. Motivation comes from a 1.3L, twin rotor 13A good for 126 HP and one additional pound foot of torque, and despite the nomenclature, 13A’s and B’s share no relation, the latter being based around the 12A. Here’s a shot taken from a similar car linked here—note the twin distributors and cream colored sheet metal, the only other factory paint option we’ve seen.

​We won’t touch on the price apart from our standard disclaimer that it’s very difficult to properly value something this special. Regardless of the dealer’s ask it’s a mechanically interesting, rare, and well-styled car that we’d love to have a chance to drive.