2012 Mazda MX-5 Mk3 BBR 225

Highlights 

• 224bhp BBR GTi Super 225 kit (throttle bodies sound incredible)

• Advisory-free MOT until 12/08/2026

• Upgraded shock absorbers and chassis braces

• Extensive service history

• Dyno tested at 224bhp

• Current mileage 69,509

• Great condition throughout

Overview

Mazda's seminal sportster has been in constant production for 36 years, testament to its enduring popularity and it's a car that became a yardstick for affordable, lightweight two-seater sports cars since its inception way back in 1989. Now onto its fourth generation the MX-5 has won many high profile awards and garnered countless accolades over the years.

And it's that consistency that makes the MX-5 such a great choice when it comes to the second hand market because you can essentially pick any generation and you'll be in possession of an incredibly drive-able, well-balanced chuckable two-seater that is bags of fun to pilot.

Hitting the sweet spot between the old school first gen cars and the current tech-laden fourth iteration, the MX-5's third go around – the NC – is perhaps the best choice when it comes to bagging a great value used example.

Still a proper old-school feeling sports car, the NC brought in just enough technological enhancements (including that new power folding hard top) to  add some much needed safety and refinement to the marque. Yes it had grown a few inches but that just meant more space and some much needed practicality. More importantly the performance and handling were still on point with either a 1.8 or 2.0-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder providing the forward motion. Add in the choice of a five or six-speed manual gearbox and it's chicken dinners all round.

This particular NC is a 2012 'Sport Tech' example equipped with the 2.0-litre engine and six-speed manual gearbox, which is the one to have in our humble opinion. Additional factory features for the Sport Tech model include 17" alloy wheels,  front fog lights, a limited slip differential, and a front strut brace, as well as a BOSE stereo, and climate and cruise control. 

This car has also been further enhanced by the addition of a BBR GTi Super 225 kit which increases peak power output to around 225bhp via a host of mechanical upgrades. A pair of OMP racing bucket seats with harnesses completes the package. 

Well-presented throughout, this then is a prime example of a third-gen MX-5 that has been tastefully modified to provide a welcome hike in performance over standard.

History and documentation

• 2012 model year

• V5C present and correct

• Two keys

• First registered March 7th 2012

• BBR GTi Super 225 kit install with supporting receipts and documentation

• Mazda digital service record showing numerous inspections

• Invoices and receipts for servicing and work carried out

• Full service history with Mazda up to 58,000 miles, then full BBR history there after

• Advisory-free MOT until  August 12th 2026

• HPI clear

• 69,509 indicated miles

Interior

• The interior presents well overall with only a few light scuff marks to the kick plates and driver's door card to note

• Free from damage

• Minimal wear and tear

• We believe all gauges and switchgear to be fully functional

• OMP racing seats and harnesses in good condition

• BOSE stereo

• Dashboard remains undamaged

• Carpets appear clean and dry

• The boot area is tidy 

• Engine bay presents well and the visible additional performance upgrades look to be in fine shape

Exterior

• The exterior is original and in excellent condition

• The paintwork appears to be free from any major marks or blemishes

• No evidence of any damage or corrosion to the bodywork

• All panels look to be straight with uniform gaps

• Windows and light lenses are free from damage

• Retractable hard top is equally well-presented

• All tyres are Avon ZZR and show no signs of age or cracking 

• The underside appears straight and free from damage or repairs but there are some areas of surface rust, mainly to the suspension components

Mechanical, wheels and suspension

• 1,999cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, NC2 stronger engine with forged internals 
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• Produced 158bhp, and 139lb ft when new, now 224bhp
• Ohlins DFV Road and Track Suspension kit, set up on Hunter by Goforitracing April 2025
• 17” Team Dynamics Pro Race alloy wheels with Avon ZZR 215/40 semi slicks that have plenty of life according to the vendor
• Comes with standard 17” Mazda Alloy wheels with Kumho matching tyres, again with plenty of life
• Cobolt exhaust back box fitted at 67,000 miles
• Limited-slip differential
• LUK Clutch kit and gearbox oil changed 58,600
• HEL braised brake hoses
• Motul RBF600 Racing brake fluid
• Roddisons front and rear brake pads, Blueprint discs as recommended by Paul Rodisson Motorsport
• Engine oil and filter changed recently  - June 2025
• No mechanical issues or warning lights reported

BBR Super 225 MX-5 (NC) models consists of the following components:

• BBR stainless steel 4 into 1 exhaust manifold (optional catted version)
• BBR high performance intake and exhaust camshafts
• Drive by wire controlled direct to head billet 45mm DCOE throttle body assemblies
• Bespoke BBR aluminium ram pipe support/backing plate
• Bespoke BBR DBW system – complete OEM ECU integration
• Bespoke BBR air rail for MAP and servo feed
• Alloy inlet ram pipe curved extensions
• CNC machined 20mm alloy inlet ram pipes - black and silver anodised for OEM style discrete appearance
• BBR StarChip ECU remap
• BBR foam air filter 

The end results are a mighty 224bhp (225PS) at 7,550rpm, combined with peak torque of 174lb ft at 5,950rpm. Over 170lb ft is available from between 4,000-6,000rpm, with more than 150lb ft on tap from just 3,000rpm all the way up to the 7,800rpm rev limiter (MK3 models limited to 7,500rpm) - highlighting the user-friendly nature of the conversion that is everyday drive-able and ideally suited to town, touring and track days. In-cabin noise is acceptable for regular driving and motorway use, with a distinctive and addictive intake ‘bark’ being produced under wide open throttle acceleration.

Summary

Some would argue that the MX-5 was always crying out for a touch more performance and for those that agree this tastefully modified NC is just the ticket. Retaining all of the third-gen MX-5's excellent driving characteristics whilst increasing peak power without going overboard it's a match made in heaven and the Sport Tech model serves as the perfect base for such a venture. It's a yes from us.

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 Solihull, West Midlands.