Rare Mk2.5 1.8 RS 160bhp. Just imported from Japan

Just arrived from Japan (and imported from there by us) is a quite superb Eunos Mk2.5 1.8 RS. Before we go any further, I'll tell you right now that this is not your typical MX5: what you are buying here - apart from a superb and very usable sports car - is exclusivity. There can be very few MK2.5 RS models over here in the UK (we think possibly less than 4 or 5) so this is rather rare and a bit special.

In a joint project between Goodwood Sportscars (we specialise in buying and selling MX5s) and renowned MX5 specialists AK Automotive (who specialise in the repair and race preparation of MX5s), we have been successfully searching out and then importing the very best MX5s from Japan where the cars are in superb rust-free condition. These later RS models are still seriously under-rated and are a real blast to drive and we have been trying to track down a good one over in Japan for many months now. This one fits the bill perfectly.

It looks superb: finished in white with black leather seats and interior, it has a rare MazdaSpeed bodykit along with a smart set of alloys fitted with a matching set of Yokohama tyres. As ever with our newly imported cars, bodywork and underside are in exceptional rust-free condition. The photos here show the all important front inner wheel arch areas. In particular, pay close attention to the front chassis rail area. On many cars this is utterly rotten (please visit my website for graphic photos of just nasty this can get). However as you can see, on this example, they are pretty well immaculate.

This RS model has an extra 20 bhp over and above a standard MX5 Mk2. This may not sound like a huge increase but in the real world, this along with a few other well chosen factory tweaks, just transforms the car and acceleration changes from brisk to 'flippin' quick'!, especially once you get the hang of revving the engine hard (this will rev cleanly and easily to 7500rpm). The 1.8 engine has a lightened flywheel, a higher rev limit, different cams etc resulting in a power output of around 160 bhp. Mazda made the most of the extra power by also using a close ratio six speed gearbox along with a Torsen lsd, again with slightly shorter diff ratios, all topped off with Bilstein suspension. These factory upgrades really set this car apart. I've managed to cover a good few miles in this one and its seriously fantastic to drive with addictive acceleration. The other very noticeable quality was just how civilised this is: there are no squeaks or rattles and the engine is super-smooth and very quiet. It genuinely drives like a car half its age and it would be a pleasure to use this one everyday.

Inside, the black leather seats are in good clean condition as are the carpets, plastic trim and dashboard. The Kenwood CD player works well, sounds good and has an electric aerial. It has white instrument dials which match the bodywork nicely. The black vinyl soft top is in excellent condition and it has a glass heated rear screen. Of course it has power assisted steering, electric windows and air conditioning that blows ice cold. Its only covered 107,000 km (63,000 miles) and we have given this one a comprehensive check and service along with a new MOT. We specialise in MX5s and are confident that this one drives just as well as a good one should. Its now been correctly registered for UK use and its ready to be used.

Lets talk about bodywork again: if you check out Mk2/Mk2.5 buyer's guides on the internet, you'll quickly discover that the UK cars have a serious rust issue. Not this one: its really fantastic. The chassis rails are in near mint condition (see photo), the wheel arches are perfect and the sills are free from previous repairs and are just as they left the factory. I'm quite sure you'll struggle to find a Mk2.5 with a better body.

Its not cheap by MX5 standards but then its not your average MX5 and is a million miles away from your average tired car. Price for this rare car is £4995 and a deposit will secure it immediately.

I’m an MX5 enthusiast and I have a good reputation in the MX5 world (check out my website for more photos of this car, details of other MX5s for sale and lots of info about buying an MX5 – just google my name). Please do not hesitate to ask any questions – if you are genuinely interested, you’ll have plenty and I’m happy to talk about MX5s all day. I’m located in Berwick upon Tweed and always have a selection of MX5s for sale including more newly imported examples including another MK2 1.8 RS in Twilight Blue.