1997 MAZDA MX-5

Multi award winning Eunos Roadster 1.8.

This is the 'Special Package' trim level so came with electric mirrors and windows, power steering and torsen lsd.

Owned by its present owner for over 13 years, another project means I'll be selling our car.

It was built in March 1997 and spent the first 8 years in Japan before being imported in 2005. I bought it in 2012 and started a rolling restoration.

It has won its class at the MX-5 Owners Club rally in 2014, 2015, 2016 and in 2024.

A couple of years ago it was in Classic World magazine in a 5 page article.

In March 2024 it was at the NEC Classic Car and Restoration Show as a finalist on the Pride of Ownership stand, and at the November 2024 NEC Classic Car Show it was on the Meguiars stand as a finalist in their Club Showcase.

Over the years it was used as part of a showroom display at a local Mazda dealership when the MX-5 ND was launched in 2015, PistonHeads had it as part of a display at the Silverstone Classic in 2019, and we used it as our wedding car in 2013 before taking it on the honeymoon in Cornwall. Vicky Butler Henderson took a shine to the car at a show in 2016 and I have photos of her sitting in the driver's seat.

So what has been done over the years?

Bodily it was in pretty good condition when I bought it. In 2015 a couple of tiny pinholes appeared at the back of the offside sill so I had both sides cut out and any rust treated before new metal was let in. This is the only welding it has ever needed and the body is as rust free as you will find. I have photos taken of the work as it was done. The car is taken off the road over winter so doesn't see a salted road. It has been repeatedly rust treated over the years. 2015 also saw the bodywork getting a glass out respray to get rid of any stone chips and blemishes. The windscreen was replaced along with several other trim items.

The hood was replaced in 2016 and is a mohair item with a glass rear window. The rain rail is the better item used on the MX-5 NB.

Most of the interior has been replaced; dashboard, door cards, seats, carpet and seat belt webbing.

Mechanically I've only really had to service it with a couple of exceptions. The gearbox was replaced in 2016 along with the clutch. A new Gates cambelt kit with a genuine Mazda water pump was fitted in 2021. The exhaust is a Cobalt stainless steel system with a rolled tail pipe fitted, it has a nice note without sounding too loud.

In the last few years the following have been replaced as they were aged or tarnished; all coolant hoses, rear light units, front side light units, exterior door handles, roof seals and door glass.

There are several rare JDM parts fitted; a stainless steel fuel filler flap made by Runabout, wheels are Black Racing, headlights are by Raybrig, and the interior door handles are billet aluminium parts made by Nakamae.

There are several one off parts made by the owner. The nose badge is stainless steel and a copy of the Mazda badge used in the 1960's. Other parts are the bonnet stay, dipstick handle, gear lever surround, jack handle, centre console tray and heater panel.

The MOT runs until April 2026 and the mileage is around 133450 miles (speedo reading is it kilometers).

I have a file about 3 inches thick with paperwork and receipts since I bought the car. Some paperwork from Japan is present.

I'm happy for any inspection on the car. As you can see the car is in fantastic condition and it has lead a pampered life under my ownership. It is garaged and has a cover over it when not used to go to car shows and local car meets. The only reason I'm selling is because I've got a new project to do (a 1969 BSA motorcycle).

I'm afraid the trophies are not part of the sale.