Perhaps the last of the great retro-style Roadsters, the MX-5 is, pure and simple, a legend. One of the - if not the - bestselling sports cars in history, the winning combination of a rear-wheel-drive, twin-cam and the sheer bliss of top-down motoring all make these iconic cars a legend of Japanese manufacturing.
This example, purchased by the vendor in 1996, has stayed with him for its entire life, and during that time has been very well cared for. It’s now ready and waiting for a new owner - whether it be to restore it to Concours condition, or to keep it as is for a summer’s day, when the allure of that fold-down roof is just too strong.
The History and Paperwork
Purchased by the vendor in 1996
Based in the Isle of Man for a period, during which time there is no MOT history
Car has reportedly not been used on public roads for the past five years
During this time the vendor informs us that it’s been started and run regularly
The car carries a current MOT until May 2024
Recently fitted with new brake pads to the front and rear
Enormous paperwork file includes:
All original sales booklets and manuals
Original paperwork for the GT Auto alarm, CD changer and Hardtop
A collection of Tax discs
Isle of Man registration paperwork
Impressive collection of MOT certificates
A huge selection of invoices for maintenance, services and more
Original Mazda wallet
V5c document
The Interior
Charming luxury interior with grey leather and burgundy piping
Leather seats appear soft and supple with no cracks, rips or tears
Door cards are well presented with no rips or tears
Carpets have been protected by mats and look to be in good order
Walnut trim in the centre console has delaminated in places
The car’s dashboard looks in good order with all instruments clean and well-presented
The fuel gauge is apparently intermittent but no other faults have been reported
No known modification
Period CD player is still in situ
Boot is well kept, with brackets for the hard top, a Haynes manual and spare wheel kept there
The Exterior
Unusual Merlot colourway, chosen specifically for this edition
Merlot nameplate fitted to the bodywork
The car’s bodywork is largely in good order with some dents and dings
Paintwork is somewhat worn with some chips and scuffs, and bubbling on the bonnet edge
A scuff on the offside of the rear bumper is visible
The windscreen has a soft scratch that a specialist has advised ‘should polish out’
The car is sitting on its original alloys, which look in good order
Tyres look to have a good level of tread
Underneath, the car is in relatively good condition
We can’t spot any perforating or structural corrosion
Some superficial corrosion to the suspension though this is minor
The Mechanics
Powered by the 1.8L BP DOHC I4 engine
5-speed M526 Manual transmission
Engine shows some surface corrosion though nothing of major consequence
Timing belt and water pump were replaced less than 20,000 miles ago
Vehicle starts with no issue, revs freely and suffers no knocks
The MOT came back with a brake advisory for the pads, which was swiftly rectified
The car is handling, shifting, braking and starting well with no issues
Summary
With its retro roadster ideals, stylish design and influence on modern petrolhead culture, there’s no doubt that the first-generation MX-5 is - in many ways - the definition of a modern classic. This special edition example is the perfect opportunity to take on this 90s roadster for yourself and see just what the fuss is about.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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NO RESERVE - 1996 Mazda MX-5 MK1 “Merlot” Special Edition
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