Description
For those of you who have an issue when a sports car has an auto gearbox look away now!
For those of you still with me the following may well be of interest:-
In 2003 this Mazda, made in 1998, was imported from Japan by a large Mazda dealership for a driver who could only drive automatics. Autos were solely for the factory's home market and not exported then.
The third owner here died prematurely and his father then left the car in his garage for some ten years. He decided after this time that she should be back on the road to be enjoyed. However, personal mobility problems and the outward march of ULEZ to Romford forced a sale.
It had to be made roadworthy after the long lay-up and the recommissioning was not confined to fluid changes and attention to the brakes and tyres but involved in addition cam belt and water pump change, new Brembo discs and pads, new Driftz wheels and 195/ 50/ R15 tyres, new rear wheel bearings, new ABS sensors, air conditioning radiator replacement, a new Mohair hood, new HT leads and plugs, Kustom Car interiors "Tombstone" seats with Alcantara inserts and latterly a JVC Bluetooth hands free connectivity radio with electric aerial.
A large paper file going back to the early years of British ownership confirms that the mileage to date is under 59, 000 and that the servicing has been carried out throughout the period in accordance with factory requirements.
The bodywork is remarkable in that it does not have the usual collection of dings, chips and rusty bits which usually accompany a car of 28 years of age. It has been cherished!
In my ownership, which started in November 2024, the servicing has been kept up to date with an oil and filter change, brake fluid change and a new auxiliary drive belt. Also, in recent weeks, a new crankshaft sensor and new air mass meter have been fitted together with new spark plugs and leads to address starting issues which are now totally cured. Total cost £550.
The car as you would expect with its low mileage drives and handles extremely well. The power steering is unobtrusive. The gearbox which has optional Sport mode is smooth changing and very responsive to kick-down changes.
The hood is a single handed operation and the cabin with it down is relatively draught free thanks to the fixed screen behind the rear roll bars.
The MOT, without advisories, expires on 12th June.
There are two keys, an apparently unused spare wheel still in its factory cover and original tool kit and jack.
As an indication of insurance cost, on a Classic Car policy with an "Agreed Value" of £4, 000 the premium is £294 per year.
I am selling because I purchased on a whim back then and now realise that at age 77 I cannot recapture my youth!
It is obvious that this Mazda has had no expense spared in recent years and also in the past, as evidenced by the large paper file, has been properly maintained and looked after.
I think that a prospective purchaser would find it difficult to find another in such amazing condition and also one that has not been modified too far from the maker's original specification.
She is currently on a personal plate, P66URL and will revert to S482ORV, her original no. on sale.
Please feel free to contact me if you need further information or to arrange an appointment to view.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Exceptional condition, well maintained with sympathetic upgrades and proven low mileage.
