Description
Here we have my MX5 RS Limited – one of the rarest and most desirable MX5 MK1’s available with low mileage of just 77k. Just renewed MOT expires July 2024. 1 of only 500 made, this special edition had some of the most desirable factory upgrades for any MK1. These include the ultra rare Recaro Kevlar Carbon seats which are present and in good condition. What makes this RS even more desirable is the fact that it has the original side skirts – these were a factory option on the RS so not all RS’s had them and they are the only side skirts made by Mazda for the MK1. The wheels on this car are 15inch BBS RGF forged alloys – These are available in Japan only (cost around £2K) and are the lightest alloys for a MK1 I have come across, even lighter than the standard BBS’s you would get on these. Mazdaspeed carbon fiber gear knob which in itself is very desirable and rare. Also included is the original tonneau cover – in mint condition and fits perfectly with all clips and poppers in place. Original blue roadster mats, specific to the RS also present. Matching colour Hardtop in great condition available. Updgraded stereo with input/ usb etc. Just under 3 months MOT with no advisories – always passed first time last couple of years. Fully intending to keep the car for many years I had a full mechanical overhaul done last year:Mechanical overhaul: Around 9 months ago I had a leak on the rocker gasket and decided to fully refresh all the mechanicals on the car. I had no intention of selling the car and it ran fine but I wanted it refreshed to maintain it as fully as possible and ideally be problem free for a few years. The car was given to a classic car and MX5 specialist who is a family friend – he has overhauled many MK1’s, the work was done methodically and carefully – I put no time limit on the work and asked for everything to be checked and done properly. He kept the car for around 2 months during which the following work was carried out:
- New Exedy Clutch and spigot bearing
- Crankshaft seals and gasket
- Engine was separated from the Gearbox and the seals replaced
- Main fuses replaced
- Injector seals and O ring replaced
- Injectors cleaned and checked and spark plugs replaced
- Shock Absorbers, brake pads replaced
- Inlet Manifold Gasket replaced
- Water Pump Gaskets replaced
- Rocker Cover Gasket replaced
- Cas O ring replaced
- Slave and Master Cylinder replaced with Braided Steel Clutch Line to replace rubber hose
- New Timing Belt Kit Fitted
- Alternator and all belts replaced
- New Radiator
- Torsen Diff checked and seals replaced
- Suspension checked, drop links replaced
- Thermostat replaced and entire water system flushed with housings removed and cleaned.
- New number plates and holder
- Gearbox Shifter kit for complete lever rebuild
- New Battery
- All fluids replaced, full service with Mobil 1 engine oil – new filters etc
- Many other bits I will have forgotten!
I have all receipts for the parts used – around 2k in parts – I had a discount on the labour but for the extent of work done would usually cost another £2-3k and would not be done so carefully in all likelihood!
Aside from this the car has a full maintenance and service record with a huge folder of booklets and receipts, several keys with Toad alarm etc. I have owned the car for around 3 years and previous owner had the car for around 15 years where it was well maintained. Bodywork on the car is very good with a few minor blemishes. The sills are solid metal and the underneath was inspected during the overhaul and there were no immediate areas for concern or attention – I believe the right rear sill was replaced a few years ago with receipt for work (done properly) in paperwork. Recently ceramic waxed to give added protection.
The engine on the car feels very powerful, the most powerful standard engine I have driven. I'm sure the first person to drive this car will buy based on how punchy and refined the engine is to drive. Stainless steel exhaust gives a wonderful sound. The car feels nice and tight with excellent throttle response and revs freely. For people who have driven many MK1s and an RS they usually say that the RS feels slightly better than most the other special editions. Car grabs loads of attention and positive comments.
I’m an MX5 enthusiast and owned a number of MK1’s over the years. I’m a member of the owners club and have enjoyed owning many of the special editions – when the opportunity came to purchase this RS a couple of years ago I couldn’t pass it up as they almost never come up for sale and never with this low miles and with the seats and skirts present too. I also own another rare MK1 that is modified to taste and this just doesn’t get used as much so I’ve decided to put it up for sale for someone else to enjoy.
This is the lowest mileage RS limited I have found for sale in the past five years or so. It is also one of the most complete with the seats, skirts and alloys even better than the originals. The seats alone sell for as much as most mk1's as they come on the RX7 RZ Edition so are always in demand. I have heard of enthusiasts paying £4000 for the side skirts on their own. You could probably sell and swap out a few bits on this car for standard MX5 parts and get close to my asking price. I do know of another RS with similar miles without the skirts that sold for £15k privately in 2022. Last time I checked there were only 24 RS’s on the road in the UK, with prices in japan skyrocketing - one sold at auction for £24k without the side skirts and higher miles – I estimate this RS would be in the £30k range in Japan.
Considering the extent of work carried out, rarity and completeness of the car, low mileage, as well as bonus bits like gear knob and wheels I believe the car is a good deal for someone and the value will only go up year on year so is pretty much a free car and investment you can enjoy.
Viewings welcome – test drives at my discretion. STRICTLY NO TIMEWASTERS, Ideal for a collector, investment, export or lover of MK1's. Any questions please just ask.
