There is one car, and one car only, that still epitomises the '60s heyday of the small roadster - and that is the MX-5.
As the best-selling sports car of all time, it already has a place in the history books. And rightly so.Here we have a lovely example that’s been cared for by one lady owner from new.
In desirable ‘S’ specification, with a full service history, fresh MOT and genuine low mileage, we don’t think there can be many MX-5s around that are better than this._RMP6240.jpg1.07 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered August 1998
One lady owner from new
44,850 genuine miles
Early Mk2 ‘S’ model
Always kept garaged
Full main dealer service history from new to 2014
Independent specialist service history from 2014 to present
Owner’s handbooks and official service record included
Numerous receipts and invoices for work carried out
With a snug and focussed driving environment, this MX-5 is the perfect way to experience back-to-basics driving thrills.
The black fabric sports seats are in fine condition, with the driver’s seat having been reupholstered in 2020. As such, there is very little wear evident on the seats, and certainly no tears or damage.
Both of the door cards present well, with no evidence of damage or significant wear. The black carpets in the cabin are likewise in good condition, with matching over-mats for extra protection.
All of the cabin trim and switchgear is complete, with nothing missing or damaged. There are some minor scratches to some of the plastics, but this is to be expected from a 24 year old car. Largely, everything is in fine fettle.
The driving controls and instruments themselves are clear and legible and in an excellent state. You can tell from the lack of wear to the gear knob and that lovely Nardi leather steering wheel that this is a low mileage gem.
At the rear, the boot area is well kept, with neat grey carpeting. Underneath is where the jack and spacesaver spare are stowed, along with the locking wheel nut kit.
One of the things you notice here is how clean, straight and fresh the boot floor is. Often a point of corrosion on MX-5s, here there is no sign even of surface corrosion, and certainly no evidence of damage or repair. _RMP6263.jpg1.17 MB
The Exterior
Metallic Racing Green Mica paintwork
Original 5-spoke alloy wheels
Original fabric roof with black vinyl tonneau
Colour-coded mud flaps front and rear
Being kept garaged its whole life has clearly worked wonders for this happy little sports car.
MX-5s are known to suffer from corrosion if not well cared for, so it’s good to see that this example has truly been looked after. There’s no evidence of corrosion we could see on the bodywork. All of the panels look straight and well-gapped, with only the occasional minor ding.
The paint itself is in reasonable condition. The colour itself is beautiful and suits the car perfectly. However, there are a few stone chips to the front, some minor blemishes to most panels and scuffs to the front and rear bumpers.
In 2020, the owner had some remedial work carried out on the off-side rear sill to eliminate the beginnings of some corrosion. This was done by a Mazda specialist and looks to have been completed to a good standard.
We’re informed by the owner that at the recent MOT there was a first time advisory given that the subframe has very slight rust but that no action is needed at this time.
The wheels are the standard 15” 5-spoke alloys, shod with Pirelli tyres. We’re told by the vendor that they wear the odd kerb mark, but overall are in good condition. The tyres are said to have a good amount of tread.
Surprisingly, the fabric roof is the original item. Wearing some light blemishes and a little UV damage, it’s survived remarkably well, most likely due to the car being garaged. _RMP6278.jpg1.17 MB
The Mechanics
1,840cc 16v inline-four DOHC
5-speed manual transmission
Torsen limited-slip differential
Cobra alarm
Recent full service and MOT
With a punchy 140bhp 1.8-litre engine, excellent manual gearbox , low kerb weight, limited-slip differential and rear-wheel drive, the MX-5 has all the ingredients to make it the perfect sports car for British B-roads.
Indeed, this combination of attributes is one of the reasons the MX-5 is enduringly popular on these shores, they really do drive beautifully well and are truly poised and well-balanced.
The owner tells us that this model drives very well, being “reassuringly lively” and accelerating, handling and braking just as it should. The engine bay itself is nice and tidy, with no signs we could discern of leaks or overheating. Even the underside of the bonnet is nice and clean, with no hint of corrosion.
Work carried out recently includes: new battery, brake pads, discs and callipers (2021), and a full service (2022).
We’re assured by the owner that any maintenance work that has been required has been carried out fully and promptly by professionals._RMP6314.jpg1.29 MB
Summary
When Mazda launched the MX-5 in 1989 it was a deserved hit. The fact that, more than three decades later, it is still the best selling sports car in the world is testament to just how good the formula is.
This lovely Metallic Racing Green model has been lovingly cared for from new by one lady owner. Garaged all its life and benefitting from a great service history and maintenance record, it truly deserves to find a new owner who will continue to love it and lavish care upon it.
This charming roadster should provide many more years of brilliant drives and thrilling experiences.
