Highlights
- Advisory-free MOT valid until 19th July 2024
- 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
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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