1994 Mazda Eunos – Project Profile

Whether we want to admit it or not, the summer of 2020 is coming to a close. And it’s been a summer that, thanks to a global pandemic, we’ve not really been able to capitalise on. There has been little in the way of classic car events, at one point we weren’t even allowed to go out for a blast to blow off the cobwebs, and now the weather is fading and all hopes of classic car fun seem to be fading with it. But don’t be disheartened, because one man’s seasonal shift is another man’s opportunity to buy a project car. Yes, we are of course talking about the fabled and often ‘this has got out of hand’ winter project.

But don’t fall into the trap of buying something for winter tinkering that, in fact, needs many winters spending on it. Instead, buy something that’s up and running, but that needs a smattering of work. You know the kind of car; something that is in good order mechanically, but needs some love in the looks department, or maybe needs some MOT failure issues to be addressed before it once again hits the road. Cars like this 1994 Mazda Eunos. It’s a much-loved car, one that has had big money spent on its upkeep. However, the rust has bitten, and now it’s too much for the current owner. Time for you to swoop in and grab yourself a bargain.

What is it? 

The car we’re looking at here is a 1994 Mazda Eunos, which is the Japanese name for the MX-5. So yes, this car has been imported from Japan. That’s no bad thing though, as it means it’s laden with spec that the UK cars didn’t always get. Air-conditioning and a limited-slip differential can be found here, which are both welcome additions. Other than that though, it’s MX-5 business as usual. A lightweight little roadster that offers driving thrills by the bucket load. Remember, the MX-5/Eunos was a car built to capture the spirit of the original Lotus Elan, and it did. It’s fun, it’s sharp, it’s low to the ground and while it’s not a powerhouse with (in the case of this car) a 1.8 engine, it’s still a riot to drive.

Why is it a project? 

As we touched on earlier, the problem here is corrosion. The owner has used the Eunos as a second car, something as a bit of topless fun for the weekends. However, the plan didn’t go as smoothly as he would have liked. First, there was an issue with the coolant not staying in the engine. In the end, this was found to be an issue with the cooling system, so all of it has been renewed (including a metal-capped radiator) at a cost of £700. Other works since he bought the car in 2018 have included numerous services, new plugs and leads and a new battery. The gearbox oil, differential oil and power steering fluid have all been changed, too.

Mechanically, it’s in excellent order. The work this car needs is largely on the underside, as the Eunos has never been a car that was brilliant at evading the rot. As such, the end of the rear sills need some welding, as can be seen in the pictures. The areas concerned are easily accessible though, and as such, shouldn’t phase any reasonably competent welder. In fact, the owner’s local garage quoted a mere £300 to do the job. Once that’s done, the nearside front wing needs to be repaired after someone glanced off it, and there is a bit of ‘general tidying’ to do. But that’s about it.

Five things to look for:

1) Rust

We happen to know the seller of this car, so we’re reasonably confident in his description of it. However, the Eunos is a beast that will hide rot well, so do have a look under the carpets, around the scuttle and firewall, the boot floor and so on.

2) Suspension

The way a Eunos drives is everything, so check the condition of the suspension. It should be firm and not at all wallowy. Do the old bounce test, and make sure the car settles quickly and without wobbling like a bouncy castle.

3) Electrics

Again, we’re confident they’re fine in this car, but still check them. The weather can get to the wiring, causing it to corrode and fail. It might have been messed with by a distant past owner, or it might just be getting a bit old. It pays to check it.

4) Roof

It’s a roadster, so the roof is something you need to check. Is the fabric in good order, is it free from any damage or nicks? What about the frame? Does it operate with ease and is it free of corrosion? Has it been well-lubricated in the past to keep the mechanisms free? And do the securing clams do their job and keep the water out?

5) The ‘general tidying’

The current owner says it needs the welding sorting along with the front wing. But he then says it needs some ‘general tidying’. But what does that mean? Speak to him, find out what he thinks needs to be done and work out of it’s work you can do yourself.

What should you do with it? 

The MX-5 or Eunos is a car that, in our opinion, is best enjoyed in standard form. We’d get this little bargain back up to spec and then enjoy it as is. With the peppier 1.8 twin-cam engine and that limited-slip differential, this is the kind of car that you’ll fall in love with driving. It’ll be a car that you’ll bond with, one that will make you fall in love with driving again. And all for less than a couple of grand. If you want a car that is fun and that will always make you smile, this is it.