Highlights

Left-hand-drive MX-5, purchased by the seller in Spain in 2003, having originally been delivered to the USA
Aftermarket TSW alloy wheels
Hardtop included
Clean MOT valid until 28th May 2027

The Appeal

When Mazda launched the MX-5 in 1989, it set out to capture the spirit of the lightweight British sports cars of previous decades while delivering the reliability, usability and build quality expected of a modern car. Drawing inspiration from classics such as the MGB and Triumph Spitfire, the formula was refreshingly simple: a rev-happy four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, a manual gearbox and an emphasis on driver involvement above all else.

The result was an instant success and a car that remains one of the most celebrated affordable sports cars ever produced. Renowned for its direct steering, superb chassis balance and delightfully precise manual transmission, the MX-5 continues to be regarded as one of the purest and most enjoyable roadsters of the modern era.

The seller is clearly a devotee of the model, having previously owned MX-5s in both 1994 and 1997. While working in Spain, he came across this left-hand-drive example languishing in a restaurant car park. Badged as a Miata, the car was originally supplied to the United States market before finding its way to Europe. It has since been enjoyed sparingly and used primarily in fair weather, remaining in the seller’s ownership until now, and being reluctantly offered for sale due to declining health. The vendor has maintained a spreadsheet of every expenditure and its date, along with the original supporting invoices.

With summer motoring on the horizon, this characterful roadster is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian, whether on winding B-roads, scenic touring routes or simply with the roof folded away on a sunny afternoon.

Key Information

Mileage: 118,900 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 28 May 2027 – clean second-time pass
Technical specs: 1.8-litre inline-four, five-speed gearbox
Paperwork: Owner’s manual, radio guide, V5C registration document, brochure, original order form, various invoices, service history plotted on spreadsheet with every expenditure and its date, along with the original supporting invoices

Ownership history:

An individual purchased the car in March 1994 in the USA and exported it to the UK in July 1997
The second keeper was the UK owner from July 1999 to September 2000.
The third keeper was the UK owner from September 2000 to September 2002.
The fourth keeper was the UK owner from September 2002 to March 2003.
The vendor is the fifth keeper, having owned the car from April 2005 to June 2026
*Keeper number four purchased the car and drove it to Mallorca, Spain: the gap in ownership was due to a "misunderstanding" relating to a restaurant issue and the car owner

The Detail

New Bosch battery - June 2025
New Air filter/ plugs - November 2025
New NGK RC-ZE21 (Blue) leads 2026
New Lamda/Oxygen Sensor - 2026
New Catalytic Converter - 2026
Moss Ltd cabriolet cover
Full-length bespoke exterior weatherproof cover
The original hard-top has heater elements, these remain untested
Two radio aerials supplied: the original stainless steel and a stubby (both work)
Finished in black over a black cloth-trimmed cabin
Simple manually operated black vinyl soft top with zip-out rear window
Removable black hard top
15-inch TSW alloy wheels
UK-specification headlights fitted
Toad alarm installed (siren has been silenced)
Wear on the driver’s seat bolster
Corrosion on the boot lid and edge of the side sills
Small areas of corrosion and marks adjacent to the hard top locating pegs on the rear deck
Small chips and marks on the paintwork
Chip on the offside side light and indicator panel
Scuffs under the front bumper
Driver’s air vent has been replaced with a phone holder
Seller notes that one of the hardtop brackets has sheared off, but still fits well with four clamps and an extra bolt, and survived an 1,800-mile journey from Mallorca to Gosport

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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