Thanks! Weird that the door tag definitely says March 1979, which would seem consistent with the 130 mph speedometer. I would expect my gauges are somewhat different in part because I have a Limited - hence the digital clock? Maybe the dash pad was replaced at some point - I only have records for the past two owners/maybe 15 years.

Thanks for the advice on the oil. Much appreciated!

Also read this "tip" and wondered if anyone had an opinion on the validity of the idea:

"A splash of two-stroke oil in the fuel tank at every fuel fill-up can help prolong apex seal life."

Pre mixing 2 stroke oil with the fuel is a very common thing to do with a rotary. Typically most use one ounce per gallon of fuel. It will keep the engine alive if the oil injection pump fails. The two stroke oil also does not build up carbon like using the sump oil.

Thats a 79, look at the rear bumper, no numbs which only came on 1980s.

I was hoping someone else would weigh in on that as there are so many confusing details on that car. It is probably due to being produced in March of 1979 when they were just starting to produce the 1980 models. All kinds of strange things happened around the changeover. You throw the special edition trim in there and I gets confoozled.

For the 2 stroke oil - any special type/brand? Car doesn't get driven all that much - maybe 200 per month and less in the winter. I do try to keep the tank full and use premium fuel (a good idea?), but any issues if the gas sits for periods? Does standard or synthetic 2 stroke oil do better? Thanks to all for the responses - greatly appreciated!

Anything TC-W3 rated which most of it is now, if not all.

It's a good idea to keep the tank full if the car is going to sit for any period of time which will prevent rust. As for using premium fuel. . In my opinion it's a waste of money using it in a car that doesn't need it.

I buy store brand which I believe is just as good as a premium brand especially if the car is only for occasional driving. However with that being said, I've flogged the piss out of my NA for many years and saw no negative effects from the cheaper brands. It's all opinion, in my opinion :D

A little more on that. .
https://youtu.be/WjtS9R4muFE

Looking for advice on the best struts/shock for an otherwise stock 1979? The existing ones clearly need replaced. Thanks.

Theres two ways to go, refurbish the existing struts up front or replace with a strut insert.
The rear shocks are easy to source and probably need replacing.

The front struts can be refurbished, I think the FSM has the procedure in it for doing that
if you are up to it. Most folks just put in an aftermarket insert.

For a stock ride and stock springs I would recommend the KYB GR2 all around.