Highlights
- Just 36,713 km
- Advisory-free MOT until November 2025
- Ultra-rare JDM-only factory-built Coupé
- Luxurious Type-E variant with leather upholstery and an automatic gearbox
- Subtly modified with lowered suspension and wider wheels
- Imported to the UK by the vendor in 2023
The Appeal
World-beating sports car that it was, the Mazda MX-5 needs no introduction. But, we rather think the oft-forgotten Coupé may be new to some of you. So here goes.
The man behind the original MX-5, Tom Matano, had always envisioned a fixed-head version to accompany the roadster, much like how British sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type, MGB and Jensen Healey were offered in roadster and coupé form. Several designs were tested, but Mazda’s executives curtailed the development of a coupé, claiming it lacked the roadster’s “purity”.
Fast forward to the introduction of the MkII (NB) in 1998 and Mazda finally dared to add an MX-5 coupé to the range. Offered solely to Japanese buyers, a mere 179 examples were ever made and there were three variants: Type-S, Type-E, and Type-A.
This 2004 example is the luxurious Type-E with an automatic gearbox, leather interior and restyled front bumper. The vendor acquired the Mazda at a Japanese auction and imported it to the UK via Hong Kong. It’s been subtly modified with lowered suspension and wide wheels, while servicing since arrival in 2023 has been taken care of by a friend of the vendor. It’s in lovely condition and has a mere 36,713 km under its belt.
The UK has a thriving MX-5 scene, and surely this ultra-rare model would be a centrepiece of any event. The MX-5 has a long MOT with no advisories and is ready to be enjoyed.
The History and Paperwork
- 23/167 Coupés built
- MOT until 2nd November 2025
- 0 former UK registered keepers; imported personally by the vendor via Hong Kong
- 36,713 km
- V5C present
- The vendor has the Japanese auction sheet in soft copy
- Servicing has been carried out by a friend of the vendor at time of MOT, so there are no paper invoices
The Condition
- Bright, glossy yellow paintwork with minimal signs of wear
- The vendor notes a couple of minor stone chips and a scratch on the bumpers
- Straight and solid bodywork with good panel fit and door alignment
- No corrosion issues advised or noted on MOT
- Autostar aftermarket alloy wheels
- The vendor notes that the wider wheels occasionally cause the tyres to rub on the wheel arches when turning
- Beige leather upholstery in superb order in line with low-mileage
- The seats, carpets and door cards are not heavily worn
- Smart dashboard, instruments and controls
- We’re assured all the cabin electrics are in good working order
The Mechanics
- 1.8-litre DOHC inline-four
- Four-speed automatic gearbox
- Subtly lowered suspension
- All looks original under the bonnet
- We’re informed that the Mazda remains mechanically standard
- The vendor comments that the car drives very well indeed
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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
