My 1992 Mazda Eunos MX5 V-Spec
Discussion
I've always been a bit of a lurker on pistonheads, so thought I should start a thread for my newly acquired Mazda. I picked it up last weekend from MX5 Motors in Doncaster, and so far I am absolutely loving it!
When I first went to view the car, it had been tastefully modified by the previous owner, and I did actually like how it looked. It had lowered springs, some Japanese style alloys, double bulbed headlights and some front fog lights. Despite liking the mods to some extent, I asked Steve if he could return it to a more original state. I much prefer the car now, I think it looks a lot better on the original daisys. The only last touche I want to make is to re-badge the rear. However, the de-badged look is starting to grow on me - and it doesn't feel right going back to original Eunos badges when it's got an English rear bumper and numberplate... So more thinking needs to be done on that one.
The car is really good mechanically from what I can tell, and Steve has treated the small amount of rust that was present. It's absolutely amazing to drive - as you would expect. But perhaps even more special for me - being my first rear wheel drive car!
The only slight issue I've had so far was that I struggled to take the roof down due to having a mk2 hood mk1 frame combo. But I think I've got the knack for it now - so hopefully it'll become easier with time. Actually, thinking about it. Since taking the hood down for the first time - now when it is up, I seem to be getting some wind noise from the passenger side window. Anyone know what could be causing this? The seals look good after a quick inspection?...
Plans for now are to give it a good clean, polish and wax this weekend to hopefully improve the slightly dull paintwork. But apart from that, I'm just going to keep driving it!
Pictures below of before and after Steve carried out the cosmetic changes. I'll try and get some proper photos uploaded after she's had a good clean
When I first went to view the car, it had been tastefully modified by the previous owner, and I did actually like how it looked. It had lowered springs, some Japanese style alloys, double bulbed headlights and some front fog lights. Despite liking the mods to some extent, I asked Steve if he could return it to a more original state. I much prefer the car now, I think it looks a lot better on the original daisys. The only last touche I want to make is to re-badge the rear. However, the de-badged look is starting to grow on me - and it doesn't feel right going back to original Eunos badges when it's got an English rear bumper and numberplate... So more thinking needs to be done on that one.
The car is really good mechanically from what I can tell, and Steve has treated the small amount of rust that was present. It's absolutely amazing to drive - as you would expect. But perhaps even more special for me - being my first rear wheel drive car!
The only slight issue I've had so far was that I struggled to take the roof down due to having a mk2 hood mk1 frame combo. But I think I've got the knack for it now - so hopefully it'll become easier with time. Actually, thinking about it. Since taking the hood down for the first time - now when it is up, I seem to be getting some wind noise from the passenger side window. Anyone know what could be causing this? The seals look good after a quick inspection?...
Plans for now are to give it a good clean, polish and wax this weekend to hopefully improve the slightly dull paintwork. But apart from that, I'm just going to keep driving it!
Pictures below of before and after Steve carried out the cosmetic changes. I'll try and get some proper photos uploaded after she's had a good clean
Maximum FPM (Fun Per Mile)was achieved with my UK 1990 Mk1 purchased in 1993 & one of the first to win condition competitions in the recently formed UK MX-5 Club. It outperformed in FPM terms the Honda S2000, Audi A3 Cabriolet & Mercedes 350 SLK owned subsequently. Having founded a local Group I enjoyed the company of some delightful fellow members.
Sadly the Eunos was sneered at as being the cheap & cheerful route into MX-5 ownership, the ugly square rear number plate doing it no favours especially when owners fitted a clumsy square number plate at the front as well.
I still have original brochures, assorted road test articles & books AND the very rare full tonneau complete with dash coaming screw-in posts to which the cover is affixed. This is not the simple cover supplied with the car, 'boot' in Mazdaspeak.
Don't like subsequent MX-5's not even the latest, the FIAT version is going to be THE looker.
Sadly the Eunos was sneered at as being the cheap & cheerful route into MX-5 ownership, the ugly square rear number plate doing it no favours especially when owners fitted a clumsy square number plate at the front as well.
I still have original brochures, assorted road test articles & books AND the very rare full tonneau complete with dash coaming screw-in posts to which the cover is affixed. This is not the simple cover supplied with the car, 'boot' in Mazdaspeak.
Don't like subsequent MX-5's not even the latest, the FIAT version is going to be THE looker.
I've just taken ownership of this Mx5 and can confirm it's still running like a dream. Currently sitting on the Butterfly wheels with the only mod being an upgraded head unit.
Considering taking it down by an inch to try and make the handling slightly more direct, but aim to keep it original and restore where needed.
Great example - thanks for looking after it.
BRAVEN said:
I've just taken ownership of this Mx5 and can confirm it's still running like a dream. Currently sitting on the Butterfly wheels with the only mod being an upgraded head unit.
Considering taking it down by an inch to try and make the handling slightly more direct, but aim to keep it original and restore where needed.
Great example - thanks for looking after it.
I hope that you enjoy it.
BRAVEN said:
I've just taken ownership of this Mx5 and can confirm it's still running like a dream. Currently sitting on the Butterfly wheels with the only mod being an upgraded head unit.
Considering taking it down by an inch to try and make the handling slightly more direct, but aim to keep it original and restore where needed.
Great example - thanks for looking after it.
I believe the car had a non standard intake fitted when I purchased it - which I would assume is still the same? I owned it for a year exactly and it was an absolute dream during my ownership.
The only reason I sold it was the impending rust on the sills. Has this been sorted because it could be thrown up in the next mot if not!
danllama said:
That was fairly short ownership! Did you move on to anything more interesting?
Indeed it was! I had the car for a year and decided to sell it as I had had my fun with it and was after something more sensible. I bought a £400 Nissan Micra as a stop gap before deciding what to buy next - and this was back in February. Still got the micra now! So short answer is no. I've not moved onto anything more interesting! 😂 Considering getting an E90 330i as my next slightly interesting purchase!
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff