Highlights
- One of only 500 RS-Limited Japanese-market models
- Retains its highly sought after RS features including Recaro carbon kevlar seats
- Very good condition and highly original car
- Low documented mileage of under 75,000 miles
- Current enthusiast keeper since 2015
- MOT valid to April 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
Here it is, the Holy Grail of MX-5 enthusiasts - the Mk1 RS-Limited. These cars feature an array of highly sought-after factory features plus subtle mechanical modifications to improve the driveability of Mazda’s most drivable two-seater. Just 500 were built, and they were reserved for Japanese customers.
The trick with RS-Limited models is to make sure they retain all of the juicy factory features, in particular the Recaro carbon kevlar sports seats. This 1994 one does. You can check off the items in the photos - seats, yellow strut brace, decals, BBS alloys, they are all there.
The car arrived in the UK from Japan in 2015. The vendor acquired it a few weeks after it arrived and has cherished it ever since, using it sparingly and never in the winter, and garaging it when not in use. The result is a very good example of the early MX5. You can read his comments below - looking at the photos, we’d find it hard to disagree.
The car has covered less than 75,000 miles from new and comes with an advisory-free MOT to April 2026. Early MX5s are becoming collectable, and the RS-Limited particularly so. This is one of the best we’ve seen.
The vendor sees:
“Probably one of the best Mark 1 MX-5 models available. Very responsive and fun to drive.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in Japan in 1994
- Imported to UK in 2015 and first registered September 2015
- Two registered UK keepers
- Current keeper since October 2015
- Garage stored since purchase
- Vendor states that car is never used during winter months
- One of only 500 RS-Limited models produced exclusively for the Japanese market
- No comprehensive service history, but retains Japanese service stickers
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- MOT valid to 8th April 2026 with no advisories
- 119,957 kms (74,538 miles) showing on MOT and 120,018 (74,575 miles) in photos
The Condition
- RS-Limited that retains its correct factory fittings as shown in photos
- Correctly finished in Montego Blue metallic which remains in very good order
- Vendor states that paintwork appears to have been refreshed prior to UK import
- Paint shows some stone chips and minor scuffs
- Bodywork is in very good order for a MX5 as can be checked in photos
- Underside in very good condition with just some scrapes and dents on the frame rails
- Surface rusting present only on unpainted surfaces under car
- Vehicle has never been undercoated says vendor
- No structural advisories on MOT
- Correct 15in BBS lattice-style alloys in very good condition with light marks
- Fitted with Kumho tyres
- Correct RS-Limited interior with original features retained as shown
- Recaro carbon kevlar seats with slight wear to bolster as shown
- Some damage to door cards where previous owner fitted tweeters
- Mark in centre of dash where a sticker appears to have been placed
- Factory-fitted Nardi steering wheel and gear knob present
- All instruments and controls reported to be in working order
- Air conditioning system functioning correctly we are told
- Alpine modern stereo fitted
- Carpet overmats in good condition with light stains to note
- Factory steel spare wheel as shown
- Black fabric folding roof in good condition with clear rear glass screen
The Mechanics
- 1,834cc 4cyl RS-Limited specification engine
- 5spd manual transmission
- RS Limited spec with higher final drive and lightened flywheel
- Original engine fitted and reported to be running perfectly
- No mechanical modifications from factory specification says seller
- RS Limited yellow strut brace fitted as shown
- No advisories on current MOT
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