What have I bought?
Discussion
I reckon one of the car's owners has fitted that strip. You can buy them from plenty of places and the '5 has a channel that they would happily sit in - as yours does.
The MX-5 badge under the indicator is an add on as far as I know too, as is the one on the boot if it is definitely a Eunos.
I take it you have a square rear plate, and it was definitely imported from Japan?
The MX-5 badge under the indicator is an add on as far as I know too, as is the one on the boot if it is definitely a Eunos.
I take it you have a square rear plate, and it was definitely imported from Japan?
If it is a Eunos, it seems to have had a lot done to it to make it look like a UK car.
The basic spec is odd too for an import.
I'm not really up on the imports, MX-5 Lazza will no doubt be along at some point to offer his opinions. I thought the databank (the sticker you took a picture of on the door slam) was in Japanese too on the Eunos but could be wrong.
I'm not sure about the interpretation of the V5C though.
The basic spec is odd too for an import.
I'm not really up on the imports, MX-5 Lazza will no doubt be along at some point to offer his opinions. I thought the databank (the sticker you took a picture of on the door slam) was in Japanese too on the Eunos but could be wrong.
I'm not sure about the interpretation of the V5C though.
IIRC, an NA engine code means an import. You might be able to find the answer here: http://www.dandycars.com/Frequently_Asked_Question...
Well I'm not an expert on grey import cars so don't have a lot to offer.
The Vehicle Information sticker can be decoded using this info.
Is the "Destination" part of the Vehicle Information sticker readable at all? I can't tell from the photo.
The rear panel is UK spec but thats an easy swap.
The chrome strip is aftermarket - someone has stuck it on.
Is the odometer in miles or kms?
It's a myth that Jap spec cars are higher spec than UK spec cars. The fact is that in Japan they were offered with pretty much the same specs as over here, it's just that the Japanese culture is affected by the fact that there is very little space so everyone lives in small houses with little chance to express themselves so instead they lavish their cars with as high a spec as they can get (it's also the reason many 80s & 90s Jap cars had such long names, often written down the side of the car - I used to have a Toyota Carina II 2.0 GLi Executive 16v). Due to this, the vast majority of Jap spec cars do have higher spec than UK spec cars (and their limited editions are usually based on the top model - over here they are usually based on the base model) but there are also some very base spec cars too.
The Vehicle Information sticker can be decoded using this info.
Is the "Destination" part of the Vehicle Information sticker readable at all? I can't tell from the photo.
The rear panel is UK spec but thats an easy swap.
The chrome strip is aftermarket - someone has stuck it on.
Is the odometer in miles or kms?
It's a myth that Jap spec cars are higher spec than UK spec cars. The fact is that in Japan they were offered with pretty much the same specs as over here, it's just that the Japanese culture is affected by the fact that there is very little space so everyone lives in small houses with little chance to express themselves so instead they lavish their cars with as high a spec as they can get (it's also the reason many 80s & 90s Jap cars had such long names, often written down the side of the car - I used to have a Toyota Carina II 2.0 GLi Executive 16v). Due to this, the vast majority of Jap spec cars do have higher spec than UK spec cars (and their limited editions are usually based on the top model - over here they are usually based on the base model) but there are also some very base spec cars too.
MX-5 Lazza said:
Well I'm not an expert on grey import cars so don't have a lot to offer.
The Vehicle Information sticker can be decoded using this info.
Is the "Destination" part of the Vehicle Information sticker readable at all? I can't tell from the photo.
The rear panel is UK spec but thats an easy swap.
The chrome strip is aftermarket - someone has stuck it on.
Is the odometer in miles or kms?
It's a myth that Jap spec cars are higher spec than UK spec cars. The fact is that in Japan they were offered with pretty much the same specs as over here, it's just that the Japanese culture is affected by the fact that there is very little space so everyone lives in small houses with little chance to express themselves so instead they lavish their cars with as high a spec as they can get (it's also the reason many 80s & 90s Jap cars had such long names, often written down the side of the car - I used to have a Toyota Carina II 2.0 GLi Executive 16v). Due to this, the vast majority of Jap spec cars do have higher spec than UK spec cars (and their limited editions are usually based on the top model - over here they are usually based on the base model) but there are also some very base spec cars too.
Destination is almost completely faded away, but knowing where to look based on the link you provided, I'm pretty sure it says JP. The odometer is in kms. Looking more like a base spec import.The Vehicle Information sticker can be decoded using this info.
Is the "Destination" part of the Vehicle Information sticker readable at all? I can't tell from the photo.
The rear panel is UK spec but thats an easy swap.
The chrome strip is aftermarket - someone has stuck it on.
Is the odometer in miles or kms?
It's a myth that Jap spec cars are higher spec than UK spec cars. The fact is that in Japan they were offered with pretty much the same specs as over here, it's just that the Japanese culture is affected by the fact that there is very little space so everyone lives in small houses with little chance to express themselves so instead they lavish their cars with as high a spec as they can get (it's also the reason many 80s & 90s Jap cars had such long names, often written down the side of the car - I used to have a Toyota Carina II 2.0 GLi Executive 16v). Due to this, the vast majority of Jap spec cars do have higher spec than UK spec cars (and their limited editions are usually based on the top model - over here they are usually based on the base model) but there are also some very base spec cars too.
pcwilson said:
Wigeon Incognito said:
I'm toying with putting a stick on number plate on the bonnet instead of the plinth, but I imagine this would be illegal. I need to do some research on this.
I've done exactly this, questionable legality but sails through MOT's. I have kept the plinth should I need to re-attach it.www.craigsplates.com is where I got the sticky plate
Raify said:
pcwilson said:
Wigeon Incognito said:
I'm toying with putting a stick on number plate on the bonnet instead of the plinth, but I imagine this would be illegal. I need to do some research on this.
I've done exactly this, questionable legality but sails through MOT's. I have kept the plinth should I need to re-attach it.www.craigsplates.com is where I got the sticky plate
mx5 Addict said:
Hi, liking the white which i narmally don't, mines metalic silver import and has the same factory fitted luggage rack, these aren't normally on the UK cars.
Me either; but somehow it just looks right on her.Thanks for the info on the luggage rack. Another nudge toward her being an import.
Poverty spec Import !
As they were so cheap most spec'd them up but I've come across a few base spec cars.
NA8CE as on your sticker (and will be on your chassis no.) means its an 1800 import.
I'd guess the importer changed the rear plate as it used to be considered that imports were inferior, which is 100% incorrect.
A dealer or owner added on the other bits to 'prove' it was a UK car and the cheer up a white car which typically are harder to sell (although white is allegedly making a comeback).
HTH
As they were so cheap most spec'd them up but I've come across a few base spec cars.
NA8CE as on your sticker (and will be on your chassis no.) means its an 1800 import.
I'd guess the importer changed the rear plate as it used to be considered that imports were inferior, which is 100% incorrect.
A dealer or owner added on the other bits to 'prove' it was a UK car and the cheer up a white car which typically are harder to sell (although white is allegedly making a comeback).
HTH
OnlyMX5ives said:
Poverty spec Import !
As they were so cheap most spec'd them up but I've come across a few base spec cars.
NA8CE as on your sticker (and will be on your chassis no.) means its an 1800 import.
I'd guess the importer changed the rear plate as it used to be considered that imports were inferior, which is 100% incorrect.
A dealer or owner added on the other bits to 'prove' it was a UK car and the cheer up a white car which typically are harder to sell (although white is allegedly making a comeback).
HTH
Well that seems pretty definitive then. Poverty spec import she is, and no shame in that. I love her all the more for her simplicity and honesty. Thanks to everyone for all the great advice.As they were so cheap most spec'd them up but I've come across a few base spec cars.
NA8CE as on your sticker (and will be on your chassis no.) means its an 1800 import.
I'd guess the importer changed the rear plate as it used to be considered that imports were inferior, which is 100% incorrect.
A dealer or owner added on the other bits to 'prove' it was a UK car and the cheer up a white car which typically are harder to sell (although white is allegedly making a comeback).
HTH
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