What Is The Ultimate NA MX-5?

[David87]

Was thinking the other day about the MX-5 (as you do) and it occurred to me just how many limited / special editions there really are. So, as per the thread title, my question to PH is simply which is the definitive model in terms of performance and driver involvement? I'm assuming it's something from the JDM?

[piefacemate]

I'd have to say the Le Mans edition, at least for rarity value. Was basically a BBR turbo with a fancy paint job and wheels to commemorate Mazda's Le Mans victory for the year.

[GravelBen]

The RS-Ltd seems pretty well regarded, though some find it a bit too hardcore for normal road use.

[jazzybee]

GravelBen said:

The RS-Ltd seems pretty well regarded, though some find it a bit too hardcore for normal road use.

I love my RS - and do think that after the Le Mans it is the most sought after special edition. I love the direct feeling the suspension gives. Three models drive very similar, the RS-Ltd, the R-Limited and the S-Special type II. The RS is the earliest and more hardcore, slightly lighter with the kevlar recaro seats, the R-Limited looks nice with the Dark blue exterior and red leather interior and the S-Special Type II is like a newer RS without the Recaros.

[Mr MXT]

piefacemate said:

I'd have to say the Le Mans edition, at least for rarity value. Was basically a BBR turbo with a god awful paint job and wheels to commemorate Mazda's Le Mans victory for the year.

EFA

[S Works]

I'm rather biased, but for purity and kudos, the RS Ltd does it for me. Great little car. Can't wait to get mine back from Freelance after it's recent service and brakes upgrade.

[Gizmo!]

The RS I think.

But would it be a standard one: for purity's sake? Or, say, a 240bhp MP62 charged and intercooled one, on top-notch coilovers and a nice twin-exit stainless exhaust?

[furtive]

Mk1: RS-Limited
Mk2.5: Sport

Oooh look, I've owned both

[MX-5 Lazza]

Gizmo! said:

Or, say, a 240bhp MP62 charged and intercooled one, on top-notch coilovers and a nice twin-exit stainless exhaust?

[piefacemate]

Mr MXT said:

piefacemate said:

I'd have to say the Le Mans edition, at least for rarity value. Was basically a BBR turbo with a god awful paint job and wheels to commemorate Mazda's Le Mans victory for the year.

EFA

Bit of a marmite car I've got to agree, not sure I'd be comfortable driving down the shops in one!

[Tomoose85]

M2-1001 is the one of the most sought after I'm sure. http://www.dandycars.com/Frequently_Asked_Question...

The M2-1028 must be pretty sought after too! http://www.dandycars.com/Frequently_Asked_Question...

My personal favourite is the Tokyo Limited, only 20 manuals and 20 automatics made, all black with cream leather and alcantara bits.

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/20654/126885...

Have to agree though, the RS Limited is generally very much sought after, although finding an original one with the correct seats, wheels etc is pretty tricky now.

[Evangelion]

My RS still has the original wheels and seats!

I have ordered a set of Rota RB's but the original wheels will be retained and refurbished to go back on when the car is sold (or more likely when I die and leave it to someone!). Same with the seats - originals are in our track car at the mo but when we find some new ones for that they will be refurbished and put back in.

I even have the original Nardi steering wheel and gearknob although currently they're both in the loft.

[otolith]

What Is The Ultimate NA MX-5?

piefacemate said:

I'd have to say the Le Mans edition, at least for rarity value. Was basically a BBR turbo with a fancy paint job and wheels to commemorate Mazda's Le Mans victory for the year.

[5harp3y]

otolith said:

What Is The Ultimate NA MX-5?

piefacemate said:

I'd have to say the Le Mans edition, at least for rarity value. Was basically a BBR turbo with a fancy paint job and wheels to commemorate Mazda's Le Mans victory for the year.

NA = MK1

[otolith]

5harp3y said:

NA = MK1

Ahhhh...

[Oldandslow]

Easily confused NA for mark 1 and NA for Normally Aspirated.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Personally I don't think there is a definitive standard model. If there was one it would have to be a Mk1 but that would mean it would be old enough to benefit from new suspension in which case there are much better set-ups than standard or especially the Bilsteins (they handle well enough but there is no need for them to be so hard).

My favourite would be one that was tastefully modified with suspension (and possibly engine) upgrades but still looking standard enough. I also like my toys so it would have to have ABS, leccy windows and AC . Someone on PlanetMX5 used to have a Berkeley with a cold-side charger - only about 160bhp but that was about right for that car). That was a lovely car - would have been perfect for me if it had ABS & AC.

[piefacemate]

MX-5 Lazza said:

That was a lovely car - would have been perfect for me if it had ABS & AC.

Never quite got the point of AC in one; if it's too hot, put the roof down! And ABS just takes the fun out of things...

[furtive]

You've clearly never had one with AC then. It's lovely, if you've got the roof down on a blisteringly hot summers day, being blasted with ice cold air. Especially if stuck in traffic.

It also demists much quicker in the winter

[piefacemate]

I've owned one with aircon, but never found it did much. Suspect it needed regassing. Don't they weigh a fair bit? My current one had it removed before fitting it's turbo.