In 1979, American journalist Bob Hall planted a seed that would eventually reshape Mazda’s identity in Britain. During a conversation with Director Kenichi Yamamoto, Hall pitched the idea for a lightweight, back-to-basics roadster with the charm and purity of British sports cars of the ‘60s. The notion lingered. Years later, Yamamoto would find himself behind the wheel of a Triumph Spitfire, an experience that kept the embers alight for this future icon.
By 1981, Bob Hall had joined Mazda USA’s R&D department and the development of a lightweight roadster was greenlit. Mazda decided to put its Californian and Japanese design teams head-to-head, challenging both teams to present their vision for the project.

When the proposals were revealed in Hiroshima in 1984, the American design stood out immediately. A front-engined, rear-wheel-drive convertible, unmistakably influenced by the much loved Lotus Elan. The design underwent further refinement in Worthing, of all places, and by 1986, a sleek steel body, lightweight aluminium bonnet and folding canvas roof made up the final construction and was officially designated the ‘NA’ chassis.
Over the next three years, Mazda focused on perfecting the driving experience, ensuring the driving dynamics could deliver on the promise of design. The result was the first-generation MX-5, an abbreviation of Mazda Experiment Project #5. Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989 It would stay in production until 1997, with a total of 13 special editions, including a BBR turbocharged MX-5 and turbocharged Le Mans edition in green and orange harlequin livery.

Having lived in our collection since 2017, this unwelded MX-5 recently underwent a full age related restoration starting with the underside, which was thoroughly steam cleaned of contaminants and treated with clear cavity wax to protect it for years to come.

Both front and rear subframes were dropped, disassembled and sent off for media blasting, paint and reassembly with all new bushes and front and rear dive bar links. The brake calipers were equally stripped, cleaned and exercised before reassembly with new seals and brake hoses.

In the engine bay, the cambelt, pulleys, alternator belt and auxiliary belts were all replaced. The cam cover gasket was replaced, a new battery fitted, sparks plugs changed and engine oil and filter changed. A total programme of work costing over £9,000.00 to ensure that our MX-5 remains the best example in the country!
Before handover to the new owner, the car will pass through the workshop for paint correction and polishing, PDI, final checks and MOT.
With the car is a thorough document file, car cover, spare key, original service wallet containing all manuals, handbooks and fully stamped service book.