Mazda roadpacer (Alias Holden HX)

[admin]

It was talked about a while back on the forums, and at All Holden Day yesterday, I took a few pictures of the Mazda Roadpacer for anyone who is interested.
Basically a HX Premier body shell and specs, but with a Mazda 13B Rotary engine and unbeleivable brocade trim.
It was apparently very successfully marketed in Japan as a luxury limo.

[Dazz]

I have a Wheels magazine with a road test of one of these from way back then.

Performance of the car was supposed to be similar to the 202ci powered local version but the handling was better, it was smoother and also quieter.

Although as much as I love those rotary engines (yes I can hear you all moaning and groaning, and by the way admin, when is the Moffat RX-7 due :) ) putting one in a Kingswood is not my idea of a good time!

[jager]

Many years ago Japanese model manufacturer Dandy made a model of the Mazda Roadpacer in 1/43 which today is quite rare.

When Biante get around to doing the HX (or was it HZ ?) will they do the Mazda rotary version ?

[Esses]

Admin., I agree. That would be one rare Aust. model to do. An Australian Rotary-powered "Limo" sold as a Mazda. I well remember going to the pre-release hoopla of the R100 with my Dad, I would've been 7 or 8.

[loste_treasures]

i remember walking into model cars of the world in burwood not long ago and seeing this model in 1:64 scale complete with box.

i had to take a second look at it because i thought it was the holden.

i cant remember the exact price of it but i think they had it overpriced or else i would have bought it to add it to my own collection.

[Graeme]

The Mazda Roadpacer was released onto the Japanese domestic market in June 1975, and in simple terms was a Holden HJ Premier body fitted with a 13B rotary engine and 3 speed Jatco automatic transmission.

When the partner project first got attention around August 1974, it was regarded by media reporters as a closet GM experiment to test suitability of a rotary powerplant in larger motor cars, with an eye to the US marketplace. It was also seen as an opportunity for both companies to exchange information on rotary engine technology.

As Dazz suggested on the Forum, the rotary had about the same horsepower as the 202 red motor, but suffered from about a third less torque. A lack of real pulling power combined with 9mpg thirst - it ran a four barrel Hitachi carburettor - did not help the Roadpacer's sales or long term survival. It was priced at a level roughly equivalent to the cost of a Statesman Caprice in Australia, but did feature many creature comforts not seen on any Holden. In late 1977, the car was updated to an HX-type version (outwardly a grille change) and an even plusher interior with "pillow" type rear seating incorporating stereo speakers in the head restraints.

The Roadpacer ceased production in 1978 with a rumoured 800 or so produced over it's short three year lifespan.

[jager]

Hey Loste

I think the model you saw at Model Cars of the World was the 1/43 Dandy model I referred to above. Their price is $ 95 which I think is reasonable given the rarity of this model (especially in mint-boxed condition).

[loste_treasures]

nope....it was smaller..

it actually looked like an old matchbox car. i collect them as well..

[jamie harris]

I have a mint/boxed "mazda roadpacer" made by TOMICA.The car is about 1/43 scale,white with opening bonnet showing a mazda motor also front doors open.The car looks like a holden premier HZ.The box calles it a"MAZDA ROADPACER" JAMIE

[Mazda]

Who Cares ??????

Any Mazda Rotary that Biante Sell I will BUY UP PLENTY OF THEM

COME ON BIANTE START MAKING SOME ROTORS !!!!!!!

Regards MAZDA Lover

[SWRT]

Any chance of there being a collection of the 4 12 hour winning RX-7's?
92-94 Bathurst 12 hour Mazda RX-7 turbos
95 Eastern creek 12 hour Mazda RX-7 SP
The EC 12 hour winning car is still active in motorsport,competed in this years targa tasmaia.

[brchi17]

I'd love to see the 1995 12hr winning car (RX7 SP) of Johnson & Bowe included in the DJR Collection

[jager]

Graeme

It was my understanding that the rolling shells of the Holdens were exported to Japan where the rotary engine was installed and that that the models were only sold in Japan. Your post indicates the cars were available for purchase here in Australia and by assumption this suggests the cars were fully assembled here. Is this correct ?

[Dazz]

I agree with SWRT, a 1/18 version of the Triple M sponsored RX-7 SP of Johnson and Bowe which won the Eastern Creek 12-Hour would make a fantastic model.

What would be nice (but not likely hey admin) would be some nice 1/18 versions of the Mazda RX-2's and RX-3 which won their class at Bathurst for many many years and had many top ten finishes outright.

People really under estimate how well they went there, like I bet almost nobody realises that an RX-3 came 5th outright in 1975 behind four L34 Torana's (but in front of every Ford)!

[Graeme]

The Mazda Roadpacer was only sold in domestic Japan.

When released in Japan in June 1975, it cost the equivalent of around AUD9,500.00. Compare that cost to a six cylinder HJ Holden Premier back here in Australia, which could be had for around about AUD5,000.00.

The car was sent to Japan in CKD (Completely Knocked Down)form, which means it was sent as boxed parts to be assembled as a complete car by Mazda. It was developed in a short period of time and considered to be a cost-effective method of producing a limited numbers luxury car.

[jamie harris]

As I stated before I have a model of this car,I said it was made by Tomica,but after having a look it's by DANDY and made in 1/49 scale?I have just sent Graeme some photos of it as he knows most of the info on it.Any otherswho want a photo of it feel free to contact me or have a look on my website,I will put it there today.
http://au.photos.yahoo.com/jamie_harris1952
(2 albums 80+ photos).......Jamie

[Andrew]

They certainly are a fascinating car. I was aware of their existence, but had only ever seen a couple of photos of them.
As to being made by Biante at some stage in the future... well, would they sell in numbers needed for profitability? I would like to say I would buy one, being a 'Mazda', but I couldn't get past the Holden base...
Thanks Admin for putting those photos up for our perusal and such a stimulating conversation. And thanks Graeme for your usual informative post on the history of this car. It was probably a forgone conclusion that the Roadpacer failed in Japan when you see their other domestic products. But very brave by Mazda and Holden all the same.

And to add to another aspect of this thread, I too would like the RX-7's that won Bathurst and Eastern Creek!