1997 Mk1 MX5 1.8iS For Sale

Jinba ittai. If you haven’t heard that Japanese phrase before, that is totally understandable. It is a Japanese principle for mounted archery, translating as unity between horse and rider; it is also Mazda’s design philosophy. The MX5 was built on this philosophy, combined with a dose of British 60s sportscar inspiration. It is an exquisite recipe and led to the most popular roadster ever made. The first MX5 debuted in 1989 as a front-mid-engine, rear wheel drive convertible, and can be accurately described as the spiritual successor to cars like the original Lotus Elan. They were, and still are, light and simple compared to the general direction of cars at the time. Although the styling has changed over the years, those key principles have remained largely the same until today. It was the original ‘NA’ version of the MX5 that was most popular though. The pop-up headlights were a direct nod to the Elan, and the communicative steering and playful chassis were appropriately similar. Towards the end of the NA lifecycle, there were additional creature comforts and a bigger engine to keep the power to weight ratio balanced. The 1. 8iS was the pinnacle of development for the MX5 NA, offering a LSD, power steering, and over 130hp.

Spec

The 1. 8iS upped the ante for factory equipment on an MX5. The 5-speed manual and LSD make the car every bit the playful sportscar you’d expect it to be. Our car was selected in Silver Stone metallic paint and still has the correct late model 15 inch alloy wheels. The rear spoiler and luxury mats were selected as options, and look fantastic alongside the factory hardtop, silver scuff plates, Momo steering wheel, and black cloth trim. The car also still comes with the hardtop cover, wall brackets, and tonneau cover.

Condition

With only 33k miles and 1 owner, this is an immaculate example of one of the last NA MX5s you could buy. You would have to look long and hard at the car to spot a stone chip or the lightest scratch in the paint. The topside and underside are free from the spread of rust that could be so devastating to Mk1s, and the interior is a delightful place to be. The history folder could be displayed in a museum, with a complete record of service history, tax discs, MOTs, V5Cs, and the original order form. The car still has both sets of keys and fobs, as well as the above-mentioned accessories.

Redline Heritage Collection is a discreet service from Redline Specialist Cars, providing rare and remarkable classic and collectible vehicles. Vehicles are not kept on site so please call ahead to arrange a viewing.

Year: 1997

Mileage: 33498

Engine: 1839cc

Fuel: Petrol

Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

Owners: 1