Description
FOR SALE
One of 400, a Final Edition Mk1 Mazda MX-5 Berkeley with only 16, 143 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
The Limited-Edition Mazda MX-5 Berkeley was introduced right at the very end of the production of the original Mk1 or NA Series of MX-5 and prior to the launch of the Mk2/ NB Series. Available to the UK market exclusively and with just 400 limited edition cars produced, the model was a marketing collaboration with The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. All cars were finished in Sparkle Green metallic paint and the list price was £17, 600 with little chance of a discount! Indeed, Mazda ran a competition whereby a weekend for two to stay at the famous Central London hotel could be won and the marketing literature featured a tear off competition entry slip to be posted off by eager entrants!
EQUIPMENT
Laminated windscreen, retractable halogen headlamps, bright finish door handles, colour keyed bumpers and outer mirrors, colour keyed mud guards, manual folding black canvas soft top, rear tonneau, side impact beams, window etching, tachometer, bucket seats, adjustable headrests, locking glovebox, locking centre storage box. Mazda MX-5 Berkeley Limited Edition Specification: Berkeley badging and numbered plaque, 15” alloy wheels, black and light grey leather seat facings, light grey door panels with black top stitching, power assisted steering and Momo leather steering wheel, black leather gear lever and handbrake gaiter, dark Burr wood trim, stainless steel brace bar, stainless steel scuff plates, boot rack, carpet mat set, Berkeley leather key fob, Clarion DRX5375R CD player. Accessories: Stainless mesh grille, stainless silencer.
EXTERIOR
Number 355/ 400 is finished in the only available colour for the Berkeley Edition, Sparkle Green metallic, (Code 11R). This collector’s car boasts a stunning deep shine throughout and all bodywork panels are arrow straight. The original hood is unmarked and two small touched-in marks are barely visible, one to the door edge and one to a rear mudguard. The underside and wheel arch apertures are extremely clean thanks to careful garage storage and fair weather use only. Absolutely all Berkeley Limited Edition equipment is present and correct with the boot rack even still wearing the maximum load caution sticker! Certainly one of the best remaining and lowest mileage examples of the original 400 produced.
INTERIOR
Standard and unique to the Berkeley Limited Edition is the Black and light Grey leather seat facings with matching light Grey door panels with black top stitching, (Code NA3). Commensurate with the extremely low 16, 143 miles covered, the interior is stunning. Again, absolutely all Berkeley Limited Edition interior features are present including the numbered plaque (355/ 400), Momo leather steering wheel and unique mat set. All gauges, switches and equipment work including the Berkeley special Clarion DRX5375R CD player. The Dark burr wood trim has a gloss finish with two marks to the ashtray sliding cover. Simply wonderful in every respect.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Welcome to the experience of driving a low mileage and pampered Mazda Mk1 MX-5. The Berkeley Edition was based on the 1. 8i model and the lightweight 16v DOHC engine sits low and behind the front axle to offer a low centre of gravity and centralised weight distribution making handling perfectly balanced and delightfully responsive. The engine bay is spotlessly clean with factory plates, panel stamps, PDI dabs and stickers all present and undamaged. Even the gold anodised engine components have a deep lustre. The phenomenal close ratio short throw gearbox provides light and precise gear changes. Brilliant!
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
This collectable Mazda has factory fitted 15” alloy wheels which are unrestored and in near perfect order with a small touched in mark to one rim and the original Mazda centre caps showing slight aging. Premium Yokohama Advan 195/ 50 R15 tyres are fitted and the spare tyre remains unused. The servo assisted braking system is factory standard and the discs and callipers are super clean.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied new by Mazda Main Dealer, Roseland Motors Ltd of Cornwall, the car was registered on the 12th May 1998 making it one of the last Mk1 or NA Series MX-5’s. The first keeper was a Mrs Racher who owned the car for 8 years with only two subsequent enthusiasts since. The original service books reveals 13 stamped entries from Mazda main dealers and independent specialists and the cambelt was last changed in November 2024. The grey leather Mazda document wallet housing all handbooks, guides and dealership literature and a separate A4 history folder is brimmed with chronologically filed service invoices, MOT certificates and documents spanning 26 years warranting the low mileage covered. There are three Mazda keys on original blue Berkeley leather key fobs and an original Mazda MX-5 Berkeley Limited Edition sales brochure still with the attached competition slip to win a weekend away at the luxurious Berkeley hotel, (now expired!). A Mk1 MX-5 in this outstanding condition is very difficult to find let alone one of the 400 Berkeley Editions.
MOT October 2025, HPI Clear.
Please Google 'KGF Classic Cars YouTube' and 'KGF Classic Cars Flickr' for a HD video and multiple detailed HR photos of this vehicle.
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