Description
A true icon – 1989 Mk1 MX-5 the first year of production in rare Marina Blue. 1. 6L, manual, pop-up headlights, Solid chassis, 95% Rust free. Drives tight and smooth. enthusiast-owned. Original paintwork has been retained in areas, allowing the car’s natural patina to reflect its honest, well-loved history. A genuine early example of the now-legendary roadster. A future classic – ready to enjoy.
Mechanical & Recent Work:
// 1. 6L DOHC engine – Smooth, Strong, and Well-serviced.
// Short nose crank has been professionally eliminated with modern techniques - >300miles ago
// Cambelt Replaced >300miles ago
// Rear sills recently professionally welded – clean and rust-free.
// Gearbox and clutch feel tight and positive.
// Recent service: oil, filters, and fluids all up to date.
// Underside is solid – a well-looked-after example.
Modifications:
// New Rota Grid 15" Wheels in Light Bronze
// GAZ Gold Adjustable Coilovers
// Torsen Type 2 Limited-slip Differential (LSD) with 1. 8 Driveshafts and Propshaft
// TR Lane Diagonal GP Roll Bar
// Sporty Steering Wheel in Polished Silver and Leather (Steering wheel in photos not included)
// Engine Strut Brace
// Electric Windows Optional Extra from Factory.
Needs:
// Recently in the cold weather I caused a tear in the rear vinyl window which will need to be replaced
It has been sealed up as a temporary fix but will need replacing.
// Passenger front wing has some rust to the front of wheel - Replacement optional (Non Structural)
Thanks for looking at my advert, please do get in contact for any more info on the car, it has 2 keys and has a load of paper work which I can provide to a serious buyer.
There are so many different variants and conditions of these cars and are all priced so different. I have priced this to what I feel is a respectable number given its year, mileage and condition.
Full 1 year MOT as of June 2025.
This Mk1 MX-5 has been with me and my family for 5 years now, and we’ve enjoyed every moment with it! The car was purchased from a friend of my dad’s, and since then I’ve done very few miles each year - I simply enjoy cruising around with the roof down in the sun. I love Japanese culture and styling, so I wanted to reflect that with the nice, subtle mods I’ve added.
As much as I’d like to say I finished my project, I haven’t. I wanted to take this car a bit further -complementing the already added extras by giving it a turbo - but I have too many projects and personal things going on in my life, so this car never got to see that stage. In some ways, I’m glad I didn’t go down the turbo route. Being a 1989 model - one of the very first - it can still retain a relatively original life, and this car could always be brought back to its factory form to become an iconic collector’s item.
This MX-5 is more than just a car, it’s a time capsule that captures the spirit of pure, analog driving. going back to a simpler era when cars were light, engaging, and built for the joy of the open road. As a convertible, it’s the perfect companion for sunny Sunday drives, roof down, wind in your hair, and the unmistakable feel of a true driver’s car beneath you. The Marina Blue paint, untouched by modern trends, evokes instant nostalgia for the late '80s and early '90s golden age of Japanese sports cars. As an early Japanese import and one of the first MX-5s ever produced, it’s also a smart investment—early NA models are rapidly appreciating in value, especially original examples with tasteful upgrades like this one. It’s a car that rewards you emotionally every time you drive it, and quietly grows in value while it lives in your garage.
