2013 Mazda MX-5 1.8i (NC) BBR 175

Highlights

• Low mileage
• BBR NC 175 Super kit; a naturally aspirated tune designed to preserve the MX-5's free-revving character
• BBR GT full exhaust
• MeisterR Club Race coilovers
• Fresh brakes all round

Overview

The NC was Mazda's third interpretation of The Answer to Everything, previewed by the Ibuki concept at the 2003 Tokyo motor show before the production car arrived via Geneva and went on sale in mid-2005. Underneath the more muscular bodywork sat a thoroughly re-interpreted package, including a multi-link rear suspension design aimed at further enhancing the MX-5's famous handling balance, and a pair of fresh Ford-sourced petrol engines in 1.8- and 2.0-litre guises, sending drive rearwards in the classic MX-5 tradition. The 1.8 is very much in keeping with the relatively lightweight ethos of the MX-5, quoted at 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds in standard form.

October 2008 brought the NC2 refresh, lowering the front roll centre, fitting a six-speed manual gearbox and restyling the headlights. It's a 2013-registered 1.8 that forms the starting point for the car you see here: light on its feet, free-revving, and unapologetically analogue.

And here's the good news: what makes this particular example stand out isn't that it's been modified, plenty have, but the thinking behind how it's been modified. Where many owners chase headline figures through forced induction, this car takes the road less travelled. This car has been fitted with the renowned BBR NC 175 Super kit, professionally installed at BBR themselves, now producing 180bhp. Crucially, this is a naturally aspirated tune, so there's no turbo lag and no forced-induction compromises, just a sharper, more eager version of the linear throttle response that makes the 1.8 such a joy in the first place. It's complemented by a full BBR GT exhaust system, again fitted by BBR.

The chassis has been treated with equal thoughtfulness. There’s a full set of MeisterR Club Race coilovers, a fully adjustable, track-capable setup, which has been professionally fitted, and the braking system has been freshened with all-new discs and pads. Long-term ownership has clearly been in mind too, with the seller noting a professionally applied underbody rust treatment that carries a 10-year guarantee. Pair that with low mileage, a clean presentation, and a neatly integrated wireless charging pad for modern-day usability, and what you're looking at is an NC done the way a keen PHer would want it done.

History and documentation

• First registered on 12 Aug 2013
• Digital service record printout showing main dealer services as follows: Aug 2013 @ 8 miles, Jul 2016 @ 15,368 miles, Jul 2017 @ 17,790 miles, Jul 2018 @ 19,625 miles
• Original book pack retained
• Two keys are supplied
• BBR NC 175 Super kit and exhaust installed at BBR, with a dyno printout showing 180bhp
• MeisterR Club Race fully adjustable coilovers reportedly professionally installed
• The vendor reports new brake discs and pads have been fitted all round
• The seller states the underbody has been professionally rust-proofed with a 10-year guarantee
• A custom wireless charging pad has reportedly been installed in the cabin
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 16 Apr 2027 HPI clear
• Mileage at time of photography is 40,727 miles, which may increase slightly before the auction ends
• ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The cabin presents in very good order, with the classic MX-5 driver-focused layout and low-slung seating position
• No reported damage to seats, trim or carpets
• Headlining and door cards present cleanly
• The seller notes the addition of a custom wireless phone charging pad
• All electrics, gauges and switchgear reported to be fully operational
• Boot space is clean and tidy
• In summary, the low mileage reflects the interior condition

Exterior

• Sparkle black metallic paint
• MeisterR Club Race coilovers give a subtly lower, more purposeful stance
• Paintwork presents well across the panels
• The vendor notes slight paint oxidisation on the wheels, which should respond well to a refurbishment
• Shut lines and panel gaps are consistent throughout
• The seller states the underbody has been professionally rust-treated with a 10-year guarantee
• Overall a cleanly presented example

Mechanical

• 1.8-litre petrol engine, now producing 180bhp following the BBR NC 175 Super kit
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• Standard 1.8 NC is quoted at 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds; with the BBR kit the car is reportedly notably quicker
• BBR GT full exhaust system
• MeisterR Club Race fully adjustable coilovers reportedly professionally installed
• The vendor reports new brake discs and pads have been fitted front and rear
• No untoward sounds or smoke from the engine per the vendor
• No known mechanical faults reported, and the vendor tells us it drives perfectly
• Brakes are reported to feel strong
• The vendor tells us there's no immediate maintenance required

Summary

By reportedly choosing the naturally aspirated BBR 175 route, pairing it with a genuinely serious set of coilovers, fresh brakes and a full BBR exhaust, the current custodian has built an MX-5 that's said to be sharper and more capable while keeping the linear, free-revving character the 1.8 does so well. More power isn't always more car, and this build appears to have got the balance just so.

Factor in the low mileage, the clean presentation, and a decade-guaranteed underbody treatment and what you're looking at is a 1.8 set up for years of proper use. A weekend B-road companion and a weekday pick-me-up rolled into one, ready to drive and enjoy straight away.

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 Edinburgh, Scotland.