Description
Eunos Roadster VR Limited Combination B 1996
Key Facts:
- Clean, cherished and unmolested example of rare and highly desirable model of Eunos Roadster / Mk 1 MX5
- Registered Japan 1996 and imported to UK in 2006
- Tons of history
- Mileage: 83, 180 miles (133860 Km)
- Overall Condition: No rust; paintwork excellent (though boot could do with minor touch ups); otherwise just has minor blemishes commensurate with age
- Roof: Mohair in great condition; in correct green colour for model
- MOT: 20 Nov 2023
- 5 Previous owners
- Immobiliser fitted and two keys supplied
This Japanese import version of the MX5 is one of a limited edition of 700. The VR Limited had a driver focussed specification including the more powerful 133HP 1. 8i 16v engine, a lightened flywheel and a Torsen LSD. As this is a Japanese import, it comes highly specified with leather seats, electric windows, air conditioning and power steering.
In many ways, with its combination of power, handling and equipment, this model represents the peak of the Mk 1 MX5's.
Combination B means it is in the very attractive dark mica green (Mazda Excellent Green). It's a beautiful colour that appears different as it catches the light - from dark, almost black looking to a rich metallic British Racing Green.
This particular car has been lovingly cared for since it was imported in 2006. There is a thick file of paperwork and you can see it has had 1, 000s spent on it to keep it in top condition. It has also benefited from many upgrades to the standard equipment that have really turned this into an exceptionally well sorted and fine handling car.
In my two years of ownership it has performed flawlessly and sailed through its MOT's. It has been regularly used and last year completed a tour from South West England up to Skye and the Western section of the NC500. With its powerful 1. 8 engine, it eats up the motorway miles and then delivers endless fun on the B-roads. You really feel the lightened flywheel as it quickly revs up (and down).
Finances and reduced use mean that sadly I have to pass this lovely car on to a new lucky owner.
This is a rundown of the car's features:
Interior:
- Excellent condition black leather seats; not much noticeable wear, even on the bolsters
- Black Carpet - looks like it has been replaced in recent years
- Cabin reinforcing strut is present to aid body rigidity
- Mk 2 windbreak fitted (gives backdraught protection when roof is down and some mesh pocket storage); Installed with correct DaveFab fitting brackets
- Dials are Revlimiter designed "Warbird" - this American designer specialises in MX5 (Miata) dials. Warbird is modelled after WW2 plane cockpits. It's a clear and simple design that looks right at home in this car. The display lights up red at night.
- Steering wheel is the correct MOMO wheel as originally fitted. Gear knob and handbrake are correct metal versions.
- Metal speaker surrounds and sill-step protectors fitted
- Air conditioning works as it should
- Original half-folding Japanese sun visors fitted
- Electric windows have just had worn bushes replaced with new Delrin ones and they are operating beautifully
- Door jambs have also been upgraded to Delrin
Audio:
- Modern (but subtle old school design) Continental DAB and Bluetooth radio fitted (with DAB Aerial splitter)
- Headrest and door speakers all upgraded to superior JVC units
Underneath:
- As good as you will see on a Mk1 MX5
- I had this car professionally treated with Dinitrol at South West rustproofing in March 2021 for £700. When I was collecting it, the chief mechanic said he'd done dozens of them for magazines and private owners, and this was the cleanest he had seen.
Exterior:
- Roof: Green Mohair; heated scree
- Body: great condition with beautiful sparkling green paintwork. It does have the odd ding and chip as can be expected. The only negative is the boot. I removed a previously fitted rear spoiler and the paint job is not 100%. Nothing terrible, just some patches that could do with a touch up.
Mechanical:
- These engines are famously bulletproof and this is no exception
- Has only needed regular servicing - paperwork history file shows all work done in its past
- Brakes - has "Yellow stuff" pads; I added the DaveFab brake booster bracket that prevents any bulkhead flex when braking
- Tyres - loads of tread left on matching Dunlop Blue Response tyres
- Wheels - Rota RB Gunmetal - note there is a set of FIVE - i. e. there is a full size spare with unused trye. Though car does still have the space saver
- Suspension - has Eibach springs fitted. Shocks have been changed at some point from original Bilsteins. The current set up handles incredibly well
- Exhaust - aftermarket "Laser" exhaust fitted. Sounds sporty but not obnoxiously loud. Does not suffer from drone on motorway
