The Mazda MX5 when launched focused on being small, nimble, lightweight and reliable. It originally came with a 1.6 litre engine and was not particularly blessed in the power department. However, for what it lacked in pure grunt it made up for in handling joy and thus made it up the list in the fun stakes.
With the introduction of the 1.8i S version the power was uprated from the 114Bhp of the lowly 1.6 to 130Bhp of the 1.8. Not only did they decide to add more oomph they also tweaked the construction adding safety/crash bars inside the doors and some extra strengthening bars underneath to make the already stiff sports car feel even more planted which improved the already impressive handling further but also dampened that power increase slightly due to the extra weight.
The Japanese did not want to over cook the MX5 and they were very careful to only improve things in small increments between updates and above all else retain the character they had already achieved and that which had made it so popular. It has a spirit about it that reeks of old two seater British sports cars, low power, great handling, drive sent to the rear wheels and the most important factor, fun by the bucket load.
Mazda has gone on to produce a Mk2,Mk3 and even Mk4 MX5 demonstrating without any doubt that the platform doesn’t need a massive engine to put a smile on your face with even the later models increased engine size being balanced out by the weight of added creature comforts.
They say that you’ll never fully get what all the fuss is about until you drive one and if your someone that enjoys the art of driving, you’ll be hard pressed to get more for your money in smiles per mile than the Mazda MX5.
The current owner acquired the MX5 approx 3 years ago and due to the low stature of the vehicle making it difficult to climb in and out and poor health he hasn’t done many miles in that time at all, approx 400 in fact. Being a lifelong mechanic and car nut, the nimble MX5 was always a vehicle he had fancied owning and he searched high and low for one with good history and in good condition.
Whilst he has been unfortunate in not spending many miles behind the wheel, he has put his extensive years of mechanical knowledge and petrol head tinkering enthusiasm to good use, by working on the vehicle at home.
He has smartened the engine bay considerably, undertaken important mechanical upkeep, and even added some of his own styling tweaks here and there to make the vehicle his own.
Unfortunately , now in his twilight years, he feels its something he will never get the opportunity to use to its full potential and would rather see it in the hands of someone who can take it out more often.
Present is paperwork for 19 Service stamps and also MOTs going back the past 13 years. There are also receipts and paperwork for works carried out in that time and the V5 Logbook, there are also two keys.
The seats on this MX5 are very tidy indeed, as is the rest of the interior. Due to how low down these cars are and the sporty shape of the seats there is almost always some bolster wear but these are very tidy. Something that really drew the current owner to this car when searching for one.
He has added some silver accents by colour coding the centre console and breaking up the sea of black in the cabin. He has also added red leather gaiters on the gear knob and hand brake. He has also added red trimmed mats to protect the carpets
Everything works as it should and it’s a simple yet pleasant place to be when throwing the car around some B road twisties.
The exterior is clean with the paint in good second hand condition. The ¼ sills have been replaced and cavities and underbody have been wax oiled to keep any nasty rot out. The running gear has been painted and the windscreen surround has been painted silver. The wheels are finished in silver but the current owner has also highlighted the spokes in gold to make them stand out, the gold contrasts really nicely with the red of the car. The wheels have a few curb marks but are not buckled or cracked. They have 4 recently new Avon ZT1 tyres also.
Stainless roll bars behind the seats have been fitted which look great though they are for decoration only and the folding canvas roof is in very good condition for a 26-year-old car.
The car also comes with a removable tow bar with electrics which is unusual for a 2-seater sports car but will come in handy if a small trailer is needed as the boot space is sparse. Equally you could utilise the tow bar with a mountain bike attachment which is also handy.
Being a mechanic of vast experience, the current owner has spent his time ensuring that everything is tip top mechanically. He has replaced the discs and pads all around and fitted new callipers, fitted a new water pump and cam-belt, fitted a new radiator and twin fans with controller and also colour coded the engines rocker covers in gold to match the accents on the wheels. This has brightened up the engine bay considerably. He has finished the engine's refresh by replacing the stock engine hoses with blue silicon items. This work is reflected in the paperwork.
The Mazda MX5 has sold really well in all guises since its production started in 1989. The simple recipe of smooth design, great handling, RWD and reasonable cost and reliability has always been a winner.
It carries with it quite a cult following and due to the strong numbers it sold in there are a fair few around meaning parts are still easily had and now you can purchase these cars for what is a very small sum indeed, a sound investment then for the amount of fun it will give you in return.
The model we have for sale here today is a tidy clean example with a lot of love and care lavished upon it by its deserving owner despite him not having spent as much time behind the wheel as he would have liked due to ill health.
The owner’s small personal tweaks in my opinion have only added to the tidy condition of the vehicle and to be honest are all easily returned to absolute stock if you so wished. I do think however, that if you were to take this car home you’ll be having way too much fun driving around, roof down, wind in your hair with your shades on to worry about such changes.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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NO RESERVE! - 1994 Mazda MX5 1.8is
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