Okay, okay, so it's hardly the most original subject for a Spotted, but there's a reason that certain cars are held in such high regard. And here we have an MX-5 which ticks - for me, at least - all the right boxes. It's a Mk.1, the original and best iteration of the iconic roadster, it's unmodded, and it's a V-Spec.
This in itself means many other good things, namely that it has JDM cachet - as the V-Spec was only sold in Japan - that it's British Racing Green with a tan leather interior (again, the best combo) and that it has a limited slip diff as standard. A wooden Nardi steering wheel and gear knob add further retro kudos, as does the illegal-yet-common and seemingly unproblematic modification of a bonnet mounted sticker in lieu of the front licence plate.
With Mk.1 prices inching ever upward, the £3,650 asking price doesn't even seem particularly dear, especially for what seems to be a vee-specially well preserved example. The odometer shows just 67,000 miles, relatively little given the car's 26 year-old status, both the exterior paintwork and interior leather look to be in excellent condition, as do the factory BBS wheels, and it even has the original V-Spec floor mats.
A hardtop is included in the price, although it seems superfluous given the seller's claim that the car has only ever been used on dry days since its arrival in the UK. A statement which also goes some way to explaining its low mileage... A recent service, good amount of history and a fresh, advisory-free MOT complete what looks to be a very compelling package indeed. The thought of being propelled, roof down, through the country lanes on a glorious summer's evening, by the 115 or so horsepower of the 1.6-litre engine almost has me reaching for the phone. Someone else do it before I get myself in trouble!
SPECIFICATION: MX-5 Mk.1 V-SPEC
Engine: 1,598cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power (hp): 115@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 101@5,500rpm
0-60mph: 9.0sec
Top speed: 115mph
Weight: 955kg
First registered: 1992
Recorded miles: 67,000
Price: £3,650
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