The Mazda MX-5 transformed the world sports car market when it debuted in 1989 – bringing back a desire for inexpensive, simple rear-wheel-drive roadsters that had been absent since the demise of the Triumph Spitfire and MG Midget.
It was a wonderful formula. Mechanically simple, with Japanese reliability and impeccable steering and handling, which instantly made it a huge seller, often copied but never bettered.
Original Mk1 MX-5s are rare beasts today. Sadly, they suffered quite badly from corrosion and many of them fell by the wayside with rotten sills and floors – but not this one. This one is incredibly special. First registered in 1995, it has covered a mere 6,077 miles from new and spent several years locked away in a residential garage.
The Mazda was purchased new from JCT600 Mazda in Christchurch, Dorset by its first owner on 22/5/1995 and the original sales receipt is present showing a purchase price of £16,700, the equivalent of £27,800 in today’s money.
She kept the vehicle for the next 25 years ,passing it onto its next custodian on 27/5/2020 who owned the garage at which she maintained it, selling it due to ill health. During her tenure the first owner kept the car in a heated garage and the second owner kept it in an industrial unit, so it’s believed that it rarely if ever got wet.
The current owner added the vehicle to his collection in March 2022 and is only selling to fund a new business venture.
All copies of old V5C's are present which confirm previous owner details, and several old mot certificates are present and confirm the mileage as follows:
18/3/22 - 6075 miles (no advisories)
2/6/20 - 6034 miles (no advisories)
18/5/16 - 6029 miles (no advisories)
17/8/10 - 5994 miles (no advisories)
11/5/07 - 5988 miles (advisory brake disc slightly worn)
23/6/2003 - 5884 miles (no advisories)
The original Mazda book pack is present containing all the original dealer supplied booklets and there is also a Mazda vehicle security system certificate of installation, dated 23/3/95.
The original Mazda service book is present and contains the following stamps:
Inside, the Mazda is totally standard and original even down to the original Clarion radio cassette player with cd changer, while the vendor has added a new-old stock set of Mazda genuine floor mats to further its appeal.
It’s in terrific order, as you might expect for the mileage, with no noticeable wear to the seats, door cards or carpets. The dash is in superb order and there is no discernible wear to the gear knob, steering wheel or even the pedals.69TKgdIa5VyyuIoA473sgyMmtHkM5MR7PPcFLF03.jpeg1.8 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Completely original and unrestored
Perfect alloys
Roof in good order
Incredible underneath
This is essentially a nearly-new car that has never been used on wet roads and the condition is astonishing – no rust or damage anywhere to be seen, the underside is excellent, the wheels are superb and the panels are all straight and free of stone chips with a deep, glossy shine. The one minor fault is with the plastic rear window on the hood, which has acquired a crack at some point during the car’s life and would benefit from replacement. Otherwise, it’s pretty much flawless. uEccxzmNDj3wbmFLNyjwxhhUcitCmUrdGn90WxVj.jpeg1.96 MB
THE MECHANICS
1,838cc in-line four
Five-speed manual
Freshly serviced
Genuine tiny mileage
Mazda’s revvy twin cam 1.8 is a punchy engine with lots of in-gear torque, and with the MX-5’s light weight it makes for a hugely entertaining drive. It starts on the button and drives as well as you’d expect, with a smooth gearbox and good brakes. The clutch slave cylinder was renewed along with the fuel pump – a side effect of lack of use. Early this year and just a handful of miles ago, the MX-5 was given a major serviced with a new cam belt and fresh oil and air filters.
The Maintenance to mention:
The coolant and brake fluid were also changed and it was fitted with a new set of spark plugs.
There probably isn’t another MX-5 like this – it’s incredible, and the minuscule mileage is backed up by its MOT history and both previous keepers. It’s a genuine collector’s piece and a wonderful example of one of the best and most-loved cars of its era. Sensational.
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