2017 Mazda MX-5 (ND) RF BBR Turbo

Highlights

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• BBR Turbocharger fitted 

• Tested to 250 hp 

• Low mileage

• Sports exhaust 

Overview

When the first iteration of Mazda’s groundbreaking MX-5 burst onto the scene way back in 1989, it proved that owning and driving a two-seater sportscar didn’t have to be an anxiety-enducing experience waiting for the next breakdown to leave you stranded on the hard shoulder. It brought exacting Japanese manufacturing standards to a market segment which had been accustomed to the sloppy working practices of the traditional British sportscar manufacturers. 

And the MX-5 has now been with us for so long that it’s almost hard to believe how foolhardy you used to have to be to sink your savings into an impractical car which could erupt in a cloud of steam at any moment. The fourth generation ND version of Mazda’s two-seater continues to do this good work, flying the flag for small, accessible roadsters. 

The car we see here is the RF model, which features a clever mechanism which allows the two large rear buttresses to lift up while the targa roof section is automatically stowed away. This means you can enjoy the thrills of open-top motoring without having to compromise on the safety and comfort of proper rollover protection. 

A sizeable chunk of money has been invested into this car including mechanical improvements and cosmetic refurbishment. A BBR turbo was fitted, along with a sports exhaust and suspension upgrades - all fitted by BBR GTi, widely recognised as the UK's leading MX-5 tuning specialist. The result is a powerful little car which will certainly impress. And much of the paintwork has been resprayed to bring it back up to a high standard of finish. In all, this is a very presentable MX-5, which has had all the kind of upgrades we like to see. 

History and documentation

• Registered 28 July 2017

• The seller states that they have a printout of the Mazda digital service record from 2017 to 2020, and invoices for servicing by independent garages in 2021, 2022, and 2023

• During the current ownership, the car has reportedly been serviced annually and the vendor states that they have invoices for all services

• Most recent service invoice on file from Apr 2026 

• Original owner’s manuals

• Collection of invoices for parts and servicing

• Current MOT with no advisories expires May 2027

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• Only one former keeper

• Current owner since June 2023

• Private plate L55BBR included in sale

• London ULEZ compliant

• Dyno test results printout

Interior

• The compact but well-appointed cabin is ergonomically designed 

• Black leather upholstery 

• Deep seat bolsters provide plenty of support when cornering at pace

• There is a little light wear to the driver’s seat bolster, as you would expect 

• Manual seat adjusters

• Heated seats 

• Matching black carpets in good condition 

• Leather-trimmed footwell mats 

• The door cards and centre console are well presented 

• Leather-trimmed, multi-function steering wheel

• Climate control

• Infotainment screen on the dashboard, with navigation, and controls on the centre console

• Analogue instruments

• Original stereo

• USB and aux connections 

• Fully carpeted boot at the rear 

Exterior

• BBR lowered the car by 22mm while installing their own performance springs

• Folding hardtop roof

• Finished in metallic grey paint; ceramic coated

• The paint is generally in excellent condition, having had the majority resprayed in August 2023

• Body panels well presented, with no damage that we could see

• We could find only a few very light scratches and small chips 

• 17-inch O. Z. Racing alloy wheels

• Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres, said to retain good tread

• Only a couple of slight marks on the alloy wheels 

• Chrome badges

• Headlights clear and bright, offside unit previously replaced

• THe folding hardtop roof functions as it should do

• In Jun 2024 the underside of the car was treated with Lanoguard underbody protection

• At the same time, the rear brake calipers were repainted with red high temperature paint

• In Aug 2023 £2,460 worth of paint repairs were carried out, including to the rear bumper, boot lid, and both front wings and doors

Mechanical

• 1,998 cc four-cylinder engine

• Six-speed ‘Skyactiv’ manual gearbox

• The accompanying dyno test printout records a maximum power of 249.5 hp and totque of 246 lb ft

• BBR figures are 0-60mph in 5 seconds
• Electronically limited to 155mph

• Rear-wheel drive

• Engine bay very clean and tidy, with turbocharger proudly on display

• The car was serviced in Apr 2026 including changing the engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, rear differential oil, and cleaning the air filter

• In Oct 2020 an ND stage 1 turbo was fitted, high performance springs, front and rear anti-roll bars, four piston front brake calipers, electronic turbo boost control, and a Super Sport rear silencer 

• The seller tells us that the car starts first time every time, drives well, and the brakes are excellent

• No warning lights reported

• The vendor has kept the battery on a trickle charger 

• No mechanical issues noted

Summary

Clearly this MX-5 has been well treated in recent years. With its desirable mechanical upgrades and its partial respray, it offers a chance for its next owner to enjoy a fun little sportscar, safe in the knowledge that plenty of work has been carried out already and with the extra focus that a BBR conversion brings.

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 near Carlisle, Cumbria.