2006 Mazda MX-5 Sport (Mk3) Track Car

Highlights

• 158bhp 2.0-litre DOHC engine
• 6-speed transmission
• Fire suppression system
• Full roll cage
• In date race seats and harnesses

Overview

As much fun as it is to see people stripping Bentleys or S-Class Mercs to use as track day cars, if you’re in it to set actually decent lap times, your race car starting point really needs to be a sports car. Naturally it needs to be rear-wheel drive, probably be naturally aspirated (because revs), and ideally would be pretty light and nimble to start with.

You probably want something relatively cheap and plentiful, because you are going to bin and/or break it sooner or later, so you will need parts. If it could have a large tuning and aftermarket performance parts catalogue, that’s going to make your life easier too. Oh yes, and it would be nice if it was reliable. Because conking out in a cloud of steam in the middle of Becketts and dropping oil all over the track never goes down terribly well with the marshals (that feels rather specific and personal – Ed).

Of course, the vast majority of you will probably have just thought “so an MX-5 then”. And, wise PistonHeaders that you are, you’d be right. They’re the perfect base for a track car, whether you’re a seasoned pedaller or a racing rookie. And of the four generations available, we reckon the NC – more specifically, the 2-litre version – hits the sweet spot.

With almost 160bhp on tap, blessed with one of the sweetest gearboxes in any car ever, and a great handling, predictable chassis, it’s easy to see why it’s such a good base for a track car. Clearly someone had the same idea here, having taken this joyful but everyday road car and given it a whole new lease of life as a track day toy.

If you’ve ever fancied having a dabble in motorsport, then this is absolutely perfect for you. It’s a ready to go track car, with the essential safety modifications made, and plenty more yet to give if you want to take things further. Just don’t blame us when you get the racing bug…

History and documentation

• Owned by the keeper for about the last 7 months
• Odometer reads 118,402 miles
• Track prepared
• Please note: there is no V5 and registration with this car, it is purely for track use

Interior

• Semi-stripped out interior, including removal of lower door cards, carpets, soft-top roof and sections of the dashboard
• Two race buckets installed, both of which are in date for race use – Cobra Evolution Pro for the driver, and a Cobra Monaco Pro for the passenger
• Both seats appear to be in good order, with some minor marks and blemishes from use, but no tears or significant damage we could see
• Two sets of race harnesses by Safety Devices, both in date
• Full MSUK approved roll cage by Safety Devices
• Momo steering wheel with Alcantara trim
• Fire suppression system installed, with boot mounted cylinder
• Battery relocated to the boot

Exterior

• Finished in a smart metallic dark grey
• The paintwork is what we would call “that of a track car” – i.e. it has a few scars, scuffs and blemishes, but who cares because race car
• There is a dent to the passenger side front wing, which appears to have slightly pushed out the sill trim on that side too
• Aero style quick release bonnet pins
• Quick release boot straps
• Race spec towing eyes installed front and rear
• Cut off switch installed on the rear driver’s side wing
• Underneath everything appears to be straight and tidy, with some surface corrosion apparent on the suspension components and sill seams
• Fitted with a set of dark grey 17-inch Rota wheels, which look to be in good order
• A set of matched Kumho tyres (215/45 all round) are fitted and appear to be in good condition, with no obvious tread or sidewall damage
• The vendor tells us that the car comes with another four sets of wheels and two more sets of tyres and two spare anti roll bars

Mechanical

• 2-litre DOHC 16-valve engine
• Factory rated at 158bhp / 139lb-ft
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Rear-wheel drive with a limited slip differential
• GAZ coilover suspension
• The engine bay looks clean and neat, with no evidence of leaks or other issues we could discern
• The vendor tells us that the car has recently had an oil service, new brake fluid and new brake pads
• We’re assured that the car runs very well, driving and braking just as it should, with no faults or mechanical issues reported

Summary

Few cars are as capable of flattering and rewarding in quite the same way as an MX-5. And in the hands of an experienced driver, they are a genuinely potent track car.

This handsome beast comes with everything you need to hit the track and start having fun right away, but it offers so much potential too. It would be a great platform to expand upon – a few powertrain and suspension modifications would soon bring the best from it and move it on to another level.

But even if you chose to just enjoy it exactly as it is, we think you’ll struggle to find any other way to have this much fun for so little money.Well, legal ways. I mean there’s always… (OKAY, let’s end that there – Ed)

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Warrington, Cheshire