Highlights

Recent renovation
JDM spec with Air con and Manual Gearbox + LSD
Recent Water pump and Cambelt
£5,400 recently spent
Impressive history file

The Appeal

Mazda hit gold in 1989, following the release of their iconic MX5, which not only kick-started the demand for low-cost open-top sports cars but has now firmly established itself as an ideal starter classic. Still affordable for the time being, the open two-seater with rear-wheel drive, boasts a responsive steering set-up and a car that loves to be thrown into corners. The MX5 has enough pace to keep you absorbed in its playful charm.

Considered the premium version of the MX5, this RHD 1993 Eunos Roadster was imported into the UK from Japan in 2002 and has seen almost £8,000 spent on maintenance and renovation since its been in the UK. Fitted with the desirable 1.8-litre 128bhp engine, a manual 5-speed gearbox with Limited Slip Differential, electric windows and air conditioning, the car has seen a recent overhaul which includes some extensive bodywork, suspension work, new wheels and tyres as well as a full service.

The History and Paperwork

Full service including Cambelt/Water pump in 2021
MOT to March 2023
£8,000 worth of invoices
All MOTs present

The car was first registered in the UK in 2002 as a Eunos Roadster with about 39,000 miles on the odometer. The first registered UK owners appear to have retained the car until 2009 and made sure that it received a new clutch slave cylinder, cam belt, and thermostat shortly after purchase. Throughout their ownership, they treated the car to a yearly service. It was handed on to a series of owners who had kept up with the maintenance, which also included new brake parts, an exhaust, and a new hood.

The vehicle underwent a renovation in 2021 by the last registered owner, which included the installation of new shocks and springs, a full set of wheels and tyres, a full service that included replacing the water pump, cambelts, and thermostat, as well as sill, arch, and rear box repairs by experienced MX5 restorers. It has all of its MOTs to date, the current ticket is valid through March 2023, and there are further invoices totalling over £5,400 on top of the £2,500 spent previous to 2021. The car was registered with a dateless plate in 2021 and it will be part of the sale.

The Interior

Clean and presentable cabin
Bespoke Italian leather seats
Sony Bluetooth MP3 Player
Air-conditioning

With the exception of minor wear on the centre console, the dashboard has been retained in good condition. There is some slight wear on the stalks, all the switches, buttons, and functions including the air conditioning and electric windows work. It has a Sony Bluetooth MP3 player installed. The dials are completely legible. The Momo steering wheel shows a little bit more wear than the gear lever.

Both seats have been recently re-upholstered in Italian leather and are in excellent shape. The carpets and rubber floor mats are all in good shape and show no traces of moisture. The boot shows just a little wear consistent with the car's age, but it is once more entirely dry. The door cards remain in good shape; they still have their pockets, and a metal plate has been placed around the door speakers to further preserve them. There are very slight symptoms of ageing in the roof liner and are no imperfections on the Tonneaux cover.

The Exterior

New Rota Alloys and tyres
Excellent bodywork presentation
Quality replacement hood
Undersealed and cavity wax treated

Only last year was the complete underside of the car treated with full undersealing and cavity wax, including the inner wings and suspension arms. There are no defects found in the engine bay, the sills and jacking points are solid and no flaws visible on the wheel arches, lower wings, or base of the windshield pillars, giving the car's exterior a very good appearance.

All of the metalwork is in good shape, with no misaligned panels and shut lines that are coherent. The top of the offside rear wing had the only noticeable but light dent, and it appears to be easily repairable. All doors easily open and close, and both passenger door wells are in great shape with stainless steel kick plates and good seals.

The paint has been well applied, with even coverage and no concerns with colour matching. It is free of any significant chips and has a pleasant deep glossy finish. The car's lower sides have both been treated with under paint inhibitor, which should shield it from future deterioration caused by road wear. The bumpers are both devoid of scratches, and well-placed.

The hood is a high-quality replacement that fits well and shows no signs of exposure to the outdoors. It retracts and lowers without any problems. The glass and its seals, including the hood glass, are undamaged and the lights and lens are free of imperfections. The Mazda is equipped with a set of Rota alloy wheels and Avon tyres, both of which were installed in 2021 and are in fantastic condition.

The Mechanics

1.8-litre engine
Runs extremely well
New coils and struts
Manual gearbox with LSD

The engine is in good condition, showing signs of a recent overhaul, clean hoses, ancillaries, and numerous other indications of routine maintenance. A strut brace is also installed on the vehicle. The engine is stated to start without any problems, emit no smoke, and idle without any problems or warning lights.

The car's owner told us that it drives incredibly well and that he was impressed by how confident it is on the road. It is believed to tuck into the turns without interference from the brakes or steering. The clutch works nicely and has a good biting point, and the gear changes are smooth and selected without any difficulty. The ride is comfortable; it is usually firm but not harsh. No reports of clonks or creaks coming from the suspension have been made. The exhaust is stated to be leak-free and in good condition.

Summary

The MX5 was a hit as soon as it reached the shores, and its capacity to offer everything that the traditional light sports car traditionally offered, plus the added benefits of decent build quality, dependability, and ease of maintenance, has cemented its status as one of the best vehicles of the 1990s.

Having seen both recent mechanical and structural work, this superbly presented example is a perfect excuse to see what all the fuss is about.

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 seller's discretion.