Two-year refurbishment project completed by the previous registered keeper
One of just 400 MX-5 Berkleys made
Complete with its matching hard top
The Appeal
How do you build the perfect sports car? Ask Mazda - as that’s precisely what the MX-5 is.
A svelte two-seater roadster with a high-revving twin-cam engine and manual gearbox, the MX-5 was a recipe for success. While by no means the first manufacturer to combine these elements, Mazda used its considerable engineering expertise to build a sports car that could actually be considered practical.
This 1998 MX-5 NA is one of only 400 ‘Berkley’ editions, a model marketed towards the end of first gen MX-5 production in collaboration with The Berkley Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. Buyers had to pay a hefty premium for this special edition, all of which were resplendent in this distinctive ‘Sparkle Green’ paintwork.
This 1998 example is in good original condition and is complete with its matching factory hard top. An advisory-free MOT runs until 19th July 2024, so this car is ready to be enjoyed now that summer is well on its way. The vendor acquired it in October 2022 following the car’s refurbishment by the previous keeper. It’s now only used in dry conditions and the vendor report it’s a joy to drive.
The History and Paperwork
Number 253 of 400 Berkleys made
Six former registered keepers
Acquired by the vendor in October 2022 following a two-year refurbishment project completed by the previous registered keeper
Has been stored under cover and never driven in rain or snow
Well-documented MOT/service history has been maintained
The service book is not up to date, however, there is a file of numerous invoices confirming work that has been carried out
V5C present
104,402 miles indicated
MOT valid until 19th July 2024
Recent works include:
New pair of front coil spings in October 2021
Rear shock absorber set in August 2021
Right and left front callipers replaced in August 2021
Front shock absorbers in October 2021
New inlet water manifold
Water pump and timing belt
New clutch slave cylinder all in July 2019
Headlights were replaced in 2023
The Condition
The bodywork is generally in good condition and paintwork looks smart overall
Some signs of corrosion evident, although nothing deemed worthy of note during recent MOT tests
All four alloy wheels present well with minimal signs of deterioration
Slight damage and perforating corrosion to the nearside front wing
The original hard top is present and in good order
While the soft top exhibits a little wear, we’re informed that it does not leak at all
Superb original interior
Only light wear evident to the seats
The controls, instrumentation and switchgear present well
JVC DIN stereo
Momo sports steering wheel
Well-presented luggage compartment, complete with spare wheel
Roll bar installed
The Mechanics
1,840 cc four-cylinder twin-cam engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
The vendor reports that they’ve encountered no issues since they acquired the car, including the 8-hour drive home from Glasgow
The only apparent issue to highlight is a slight rattle from the rear passenger side which is not major and does not affect the performance of the car
Mechanically standard and unmodified
The vendor comments “Only ever driven in summer, and with the roof down it really is a lovely car to drive. It handles so well and has been a joy to own”
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ 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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