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

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..

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