The Mazda MX-5 is the Most Important Sports Car of All Time
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Of all the world's affordable sports cars, only one has established an uninterrupted and incredibly successful dynasty, and it all started here in 1989, with the original NA Mazda MX-5, Mazda Miata, and Eunos Roadster.
When Bob Hall proposed his idea of a lightweight roadster in 1976, few knew it would even happen, never mind take thirteen years to reach production. Following the styling themes of the Lotus Elan and the engineering principles of dozens of classic British sports cars, the MX-5 has become an icon in its own right.
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I had an NA and an NB.
Had to put up with the predictable hairdresser jokes but the driving experience with the roof down made it all worth while.
Nowadays the jokes have died off and MX5s are generally viewed as what they always were, great drivers cars.
The MX-5 reinvented the roadster, paved the way for many competitors, and a wave of retro-style throughout the car industry in the years to follow. In that sense the MX-5 has been a very important contribution to the automotive history. Grate video !!!
Thanks mate 🙂
I had forgotten that.... that the Miata ushered in a wave of retro vehicles. Good point!
@@warrenny A new wave. Neoclassic cars were just dying out at the time. The MX-5 ushered in a new era of retro styling that brought the ‘60s back rather than the ‘20s and ‘30s like the neoclassics (and Morgan) did.
Awww! When the headlights came up and down, it was almost as if she was fluttering her eyes. (At Melvin, presumably.)
I was 20 in 1989 and I remember when these cars were launched that everyone went crazy over them. The pop up headlights were the main 'wow' factor.
The Mark 1 in my opinion has never been bettered in looks.
Another great video Ed. Passionate and informative.
Same here I was 30 in '89 .got a 1 8 ,1997 Harvard , owned for past 9 years .
Thanks Phillip 🙂
Ed, every time when you're talking about an engine and you say "it's a twin-cam" I see a gleam in your eye. Another great watch.
I think it was Jeremy Clarkson, who described it at as "a British Sports car, built properly by the Japanese". I am pleased to have owned one (my wifes actually, but I maintained it). We had a Eunos Roadster 1.6 Auto. with the optional hard top, for winter use. We loved it very much. Only got rid of it, as my wife was having difficulty getting in and out of it, as age progressed.
Should have kept the car and traded the wife in for a newer model!
@@koitorob It did cross my mind. LOL
I can't be the only one now reciting in ones mind "a British Sports car, built properly..................by the Japanese". A-La-Clarkson!
Ed I drove a pre production Mx5 before they hit uk showrooms, since I was company photographer for IAD (International Automotive Design based in Worthing who did the chassis and other work then built five to test). Nobody knew what the mariner blue car was and it got loads of attention. I ran a Fiat x1/9 as my personal car at the time, one of the cars IAD/Mazda evaluated when considering the Mx5 concept.
Cracking little cars.. we still have a Eunos in the family. Well done on yet another great presentation!
P. S. We also have a toyota mr2 which is also brilliant, you should perhaps review one of these sometime?
Adam 👍
Ahh fantastic! IAD seem to have played a pretty big part in the MX-5’s creation.
I also love the X1/9, and I feel was probably the best link between the ‘classic’ era of sports cars, lasting just long enough to meet the MX-5’s creation.
I’d love to do a video on an MR2, could you drop me an email?
twincamcars@gmail.com
@@TwinCam yes IAD played a massive part doing concept evaluation and early modelling through to design and assembly of earliest cars. I'll drop you an email thanks Ed
I had an X1/9 for a time and it was a lot of fun but not fully developed. Engine got quite hot and produced vapour locks. Front brakes could lock up easily. But a boot both fore and aft thanks to the targa top. I now have a Mk3 MR2, even more fun but much less practical, no boot at all! But drove MX5's a couple of times and absolutely loved the experience.
I have Mazda 2002 Miata MX5 Red Convertable since 2013... of course, i bought it second-hand...It is a beauty... still now and no rust at all on it....It is my pride and joy.....!!!!
I’ve had a 1991 model Miata since 1999. It has been truly a delight!
I have a 93 black/tan Miata and it's definitely a car to keep for life. I will be buried in it.
Still miss mine. Never failed to put a big smile on my face. Was never fast, but buzzed and fizzed and talked to you so you could always drive it faster than the numbers said you should.
I got to speak to the design team a number of years ago as my then girlfriend was heavily involved with MX-5s here in the US. She was in charge of building the very 1st Spec Miata race car, SM1 which is owned by a friend in Austin, TX. But what was interesting was a picture album Mr Y showed me: a white MX-5 prototype, a white Elan, and a white Triumph Spitfire 1500. They told me they wanted the looks and performance of an Elan with the feel of a Spitfire. So the top 3 designers would take the 3 cars, do their test loop in CA, then swap cars at the end of each loop then go compare notes. I found NA MX-5s as well as subsequent models are a bit lacking in legroom for my 6 ft frame (with a 34 inch inseam), whereas my Triumph Spitfire 1500, TR4, TR8 and GT6 have much more legroom. Though some other things they don't do as well as the MX-5.
I bought a 69 Spitfire in 1970 when I was 18. Loved that little car!
Now have a 2001 Mx5 Miata. Just as much fun with twice the power and reliability. Driving it feels like I'm 18 again!
Fine video!
I can sum up the MX-5 in just one word ‘Pure’. Having owned a MK 2, these cars are just solely about fun and which includes the handling. I sold my MX-5 for a Boxster S 987 which to begin with had some wow factor but not to drive, it was less of that pure feeling. The good thing about the MX-5 is unlike the Porsche, it won’t break the bank to fix it. Great account on such a lovely little sports car.
Thanks Alan :)
I couldn't agree more with your view.
😀Love some appreciation! I have two, a 1.6 and a 1.8. Such a nice little pure sportster, without a single glaring issue.
It isn't that practical or powerful; but I've never experienced anything that comes close to being as fun or enjoyable on the road.
I'm newer to Miatas and currently own a 94 1.8 B package. How do your cars compare? I imagine the most "pure" Miata experience would be a 1.6 base with no power steering or a/c to get as close the the original simple philosophy as possible
Both are great in their own simple ways. The NA6 is lighter, and demands the engine be used. The NA8 is a bit more solid and competent, but not by a lot. Both will reward a driver with skills, if they try to drive skillfully. Both will happily cruise around topless without being pretentious, which is more amazing than you think, it can even be a friendly experience!
What can I say about this video? As an NC-PRHT owner, having lusted over the Elan since it was released, and having finally realised owning its spiritual father only five years ago, I can only join in the gushing praise of the car that the Elan could have become if Colin Chapman would have kept his eye on the ball, and not on the ladies. I bought mine with 150,000kms on it, a 2008 model, and I now have 217,000kms of utterly faultless motoring on the clock. My wife and I have done countless short trips and a couple of 3,000km+ trips, and short or long, the car is a constant delight, and although it's now 13 years old, people still stop me and ask about it, and children (and adults) stop and wait and watch while I put the roof down electrically before driving off.
The day I drove it home I parked in the carport and looked back as my wife followed me into the house; she patted the car on the boot as she walked past.
We're both in our seventies now, and eventually our beloved car will become too difficult to enter and leave, but we'll keep it till we're dragged, kicking (feebly) and screaming away from it. It is the most engaging and continually bewitching car I've ever owned, or driven. Thanks you for loving the little Miata as the rest of us do :)
I've owned three Miatas. Two '97s and a 2000. Followed by a '74 MGB and now a '77 MGB. I love the '77 B the best. Not as quick as the Miata, but almost and much more roomy and much more stylish. All said, both are brilliant cars and not a bad angle on either one.
Funny we've had a few Eunos but like you I'm currently readying an '79 mgb (gt) as I need more room and prefer the Italian styling and the glamour thats missing from 90s Japanese cars by comparison. Timer will tell whether the B can deliver enough reliability but I can forgive it the odd failure
Should have got a Midget, or a Sprite and then tuned the engine or swapped the engine and transmission for something a bit more modern.
@@koitorob midgets and sprites are great cars but I needed the legroom offered by an mgb
In 1989, we were faced with a dearth of small sports cars. The MGB, MG Midget, Fiat X1/9, Fiat 124 Spyder, Pontiac Fiero, Datsun 2000, Honda S850, Triumph TR-7 and a list of other less remarkable sports cars were all dead. Nobody wanted them, the manufacturers said.
I am reminded of a statement attributed to Lord Rootes. "Build a proper automobile, and people will buy it." Mazda did exactly that.
Only the Scimitar SS1/Sabre stuck around to link those two eras. But it wasn’t exactly a strong seller.
I think about 1600 cars in 11 years or so 😬
Mazda were selling nearly double that number of MX-5s a month just in the US!
This is brilliant Ed, I remember when this car was released and seeing my first one when touring Germany back in the 80's on a motorcycle. That was the start, seeing many more in a matter of months after that all being driven by drivers with wide grins on there faces both on the autobahn and the twisty Bavarian roads. The same grins could be observed when I returned to England. Drivers could once again have fun in an open top car without the concern of reliability or having to shell out the extra cost of a BMW Z1 in left hand drive only if I recall correctly. Keep up the great work Ed!. This provided so much more back ground to the MX5 that I had no idea about.
Thanks Anthony 🙂
The MX-5 just makes everything else around at the time look quaint or convoluted. Take the Z1 and it’s stupid heavy gimmicky doors!
@@TwinCam I have to agree with the heavy gimmicky Z1 doors, when I was in Germany I was given a ride in one near Heidelberg, it was OK I guess. I think it was one of the earlier 'consumer' sports cars that had a sort of ground effect rear diffuser fitted. Adding the extra weight, cost and complexity with the drop down doors does seem OTT though.
Bought mine eight years ago for the princely sum of £800, and it has been faultless in all that time. It's always been a 2nd car, and is still rust free and drives like new. What more could you ask for? Only a bit more grunt maybe, and even that's still an option today by bolting on a turbo. Might add perhaps £5k to the cost, but for what you end up with, super car looks and super car performance for virtually no money - unbeatable.
As ever, fantastic video! Your passion for this car is so right, and the story you’ve told about it gives the car the color and context it deserves.
I was turning 6 as the Miata was launched and I still remember how special the Mariner Blue example I first saw, looked in a parking lot stuffed with squared-off LeBarons and Cutlass Cieras. I remember family and friends and TV sitcom characters talking about it as though it was their dream car. It really was a sensation. People have no idea the passion that original NA car stirred.
Later, when I was 18 and tried my hand at selling cars for a summer between high school and college, I chose to work at a Mazda dealer that sold more Miatas than any other dealer on the West Coast. The facelifted version of the NB had just been released, and this was the first version I’d get to drive. It was then that I fell in love as I felt the car react seemingly telepathically to where I wished to go. I sold quite a few that summer. Thank you for stirring the memories.
As an obscurantist, there were many other roadsters of the era I appreciated more, stylistically: The ancient Phase 4 Alfa Spider and its Type 916 replacement, the latter of which was unavailable in the US. The Fiat Barchetta, which was also unavailable in the US. The BMW Z3. And even the Mercury Capri XR2. But none, as you say, are as inherently either as modern, or as pure and correct, as the Miata. The original 4cyl Z3s come close, but… no pop-ups and maybe a bit too much aggression.
Mention of the 1989 Capri brings me to the point you made about Mazda attempting to develop 3 different types of sports car, one FF, one MR, and one FR before choosing the Miata. The fact is, **all 3 ended up in production**:
The FF car was made in Australia as the Ford Capri and built the with same 1.6L engine as the Miata, but off the Mazda 323/Ford Laser platform. You could even get it turbocharged from the factory, with more power than the later 1.8L Miata four. The Capri launched at around the same time as the Miata, in 1989, with a Ghia-penned exterior and an Ital-designed interior that ended up looking quite different to the original concept. But its styling seemed awkward next to the Miata’s. FWD afforded enough cabin space for a useless backseat, which probably appealed on paper to marketers, if not customers. But the FWD handling - at hot hatch levels - couldn’t compare to the FR Miata, either. It was cheaper, more practical, and faster, but evoked none of the passion of the Miata. They’re still a lovably weird car that I want to have, but almost no one has cared to save them from the scrapyard, much less increase the aftermarket support the NA Miata has.
The MR car, in slightly shrunken form, debuted 3 years after the Miata and Capri as the Autozam AZ-1, and its styling was clearly related to the original MR concept, albeit somewhat changed as well. This car has, in current times, found a small and passionate following. But it made none of the impact that the Miata has.
Isn’t it incredible, though? What an unbelievable thing Mazda did to try all 3 formulas at the same time! THIS is one reason people my age speak so highly of the Japanese cars of our childhood. No one today would dare try something so bold. But only the FR Miata’s fervently perfected version endured. The other two are relative obscurities today.
There is one classic, mainstream-priced and powered (i.e., non TVR or Morgan) British production roadster that linked the MGB/TR7 originals to the upstart Miata, but it almost never gets talked about: The Scimitar SS1/Sabre. Certainly not a pretty car - although later versions did look handsome - it seemed to both represent everything that had gone wrong with British cars of the day while still keeping the faith and giving a good driving experience.
Do you have experience with any SS1’s or Sabres? We didn’t get them in the US and it’s very hard to find info on them online beyond the bit on aronline.co.uk.
Thanks as ever mate 🙂
I don’t know that much about the SS1. In fact, I don’t recall ever seeing one driving about, they’re that rare.
This video is such a beautiful love letter to this car. I love the MX-5 and I can't wait to buy one soon (although it'll probably be the NB because NA are pretty rare here)
Thanks mate 🙂
Great video Ed, I have a 92 Eunos Roadster, owned it for 11 years, it's totally rust free and reliable,has never failed an MOT and is the most fun car I've owned and that's including my BGT and XR3i . Excellent little cars! 👍
Thanks Tony 🙂
IIRC, the FWD team's concept ended up being recycled as the Australian Ford (sold in the us as a Mercury) Capri roadster, which was basically FWD 323 mechanicals with a roadster body.
The FWD team's drivetrain went in the Capri, but the body was derived from the Ghia Barchetta show car from about 1983, and commissioned by Ford.
@@wanderinggentile Thanks for the info! That definitely makes sense, especially with the Ford/Ghia relationship. :)
Ooh that’s a cool fact!
Wonderful video history of the NA MX-5 ... drove my '92 NA Sunburst Yellow off the showroom floor, put hardtop on it, and still going strong. "Love my Roadster" ... oh, should mention it is one of the approximately 50 automatics!!! That's right ... still in love!!! Merci for a terrific video ... Zoom Zoom!!! 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
I have owned a lot of sports and muscle cars but my NA makes me grin like an idiot when ever I drive it. Nothing beats a car with pop up headlights for making you feel like your six years old.
It singlehandedly brought the 'roadster' back to life, when it first launched back in 1989.
Ed, A great post. The Lotus Elan remains the most beautiful car of all time imho. When photos of this were leaked, I couldn’t believe how brilliant it looked. Fast forward and I saw my first one driving along Mulholland Drive. It was white and looked even better than the Elan in the California sun. I had one of the very first ones in the UK. I swapped my 944 for it. It was one of these cars that just couldn’t be improved. One day perhaps I’ll own another.
Thanks Philip 🙂
Great video and spot on. I first saw a silver one in 1989 and knew I had to have one. In 1995 I got my first one, Montego Blue. Every review I read for a decade raved about how Mazda perfected the troublesome British roadster and they were right...
When I was working in So Cal , I met the guy who bought the Lotus Elan that they used to "copy " for the Miata , he still was working at The development shop in So Cal , he too like me was English . I just found my friend a 93 Miata with 34,000 miles in amazing condition , red with tan interior & top , the NA really is a great , proper sports car.
Edit: my inspiration for buying a Miata was my dream of owning an Austin Healey 3000....which I never did achieve sadly.
Great video as always, Ed.
In my early 20s, I bought a new 1996 Miata. I loved it. It was the most fun driving car I've ever driven.
However much I loved the Miata, it wasn't an incredibly well built engine. I had traded in a 1993 Honda Civic to buy my Miata. The Civic had the superior engine. I loved the driving dynamics of my new roadster, but deep in my heart I could tell that the new Mazda engine was not as refined or gutsy as my older Civic's engine had been.
Everything else was wonderful though.... handling, braking, boulevard cruising.,...it was a wonderful experience.
I sold it a few years later and bought a 1973 VW squareback and a Honda V4 Interceptor. LOL.....the things we do when we are young!
Thanks Warren 🙂
Mazda did to the British sports car industry what Honda, Yamaha et al did to the British motor bike industry: built a desirable and reliable product.
Love my NA Roadster, the best value for money car you can buy. RWD fun. Going up in value now, worth buying one now.
Shame the UK spec cars are so poorly specced in comparison to other markets but Eunos Roadsters are extremely common and worth buying.
If you don't like the MX-5, you must have something wrong with you
... or be missing the point. The Miata is a splendid car!
Great video, Ed. Mazda got it, as you said, spot on with Miata. I'm 6'3" and behind the wheel of the NA, it feels like they sat me down and built the car around me. The fit is perfect. The next generation was a serious downgrade, although I will never know how they drive. I don't fit! Same with the Honda S2000. I got stuck trying to get in one in the dealership showroom. Much more and it would have taken the fire brigade and the jaws of life to get me out!
I love balanced cars, and that is where the NA Miata shines. It has the same weight distribution as my old Volvo 240. With two of similar weight in the car, the weight distribution is almost exactly 25% on each corner. Hard to argue with perfection.
Thanks as always Michael 🙂
We are the proud owners of two NA's, enjoyed the video.
Thanks mate :)
Best and most thorough MX-5 video ever! Brilliant work, as usual.
Thanks mate 🙂
Why the heck aren't you on the TV? Superbly planned and presented video yet again!!!
Thanks Chris, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂
Well-researched as always and presented beautifully. I didn't know the steering wheel story. Indeed, Mazda really did their homework on the Miata (as I am used to calling it). A perfectly executed homage to the Brit sports car from years earlier, with Japanese attention to detail.
Thanks mate :)
I own a 94 and in a way I'm surprised the Miata even made it to production.
Mazda made the RX7 at the time, British roadsters had the formula, the fox body Mustang (I own a 91) could be had with a manual in coupe, hatch and convertible configurations and the MR2 nailed the baby Ferrari mid engine RWD layout/look. The Mercury Capri and eventually the Ford Probe, which was originally pitched to replace the Mustang, completed the FWD front engine idea, and despite the niche market it sold like hotcakes and thank goodness Mazda did their market research and continues to produce the Miata.
Plus it's not my opinion and is an annoying and offensive view, but I hear all the time ''its a girls car'' I disagree.
PS I've owned two Mazdas a 323F and an RX8. Both great cars. The 323F still looks great to me. The RX8 was possibly my favourite car ever.
The RX-8, as well as the original RX-7, are exceptional Mazda Rotary sports cars.
That was a great video review, thanks. I hope someone in the media is watching how Jeremy C does not have to be the mould which all automotive journalists have to adopt. Would love to see an on-road review to see and hear the car in it’s element.
Might want to add Miata and Eunos Roadster for more hits. I had three of them. Drives like nothing else.
They’re both in the description.
@@TwinCam cool, does that help with the search? (#clueless)
I think so, but I’m as clueless as anyone else! 🤣
I've owned an NA and NC Miata and they were wonderful cars, nothing else like them
Fantastic, informative video as usual. Love an MX5, brilliant car. Thank you for featuring, even if it made me feel old :-). I am sure they were just launched a couple of years ago!
Thanks mate 🙂
Thirty two years!
I have a 1990 NA with 34k miles on it and 100% factory except for the tires, belts filters and fluids. I inherited it from my father-in-law and it looks like it just rolled out of the showroom. Even the cassette deck still works. It has driven roads in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Mexico and now North Carolina. The rules are, don’t drive it in the rain, don’t rev over 4000 rpm (often), don’t drive it on the interstate (more of a challenge than a rule, and no daily driver trips, only happy adventures. It’s a member of the family and a fitting legacy to my father-in-laws memory.
Love the MX-5. Never actually owned one myself (yet) but my Mum had a 2008 NC from new for a few years and I always enjoyed getting the keys to it...when I was allowed.
this video needs more views
Thanks mate :)
Been driving MX5s for over twenty years and love them and wouldn't drive anything else affordable. Have had NAs, NBs and now have a NC. Each different in their own ways but all fantastic smiles per mile.
Another great video! Really interesting history behind this car, especially the Lotus connection -- I had no idea. They're immensely popular where I am in Quebec, despite having 5+ months of winter.
Thanks Michael 🙂
I agree. Love my NC. Great fun.
Every review you do makes me want the car! Great stuff.
Thanks mate 🙂
Great video Ed of the Mk1 MX-5 Mazda oozes character 👍👍👍
Thanks Neil 🙂
Love this analysis and love my '93 Miata
This is one of the best YT video reviews of the n/a I've ever seen, well written and presented. Your MX-5 looks to be in great shape for a UK car. I've had three, two Eunos n/a's and a MK3. My current car is a rare Eunos S-limited which I won't let go until we are forced out of ice cars.
Thanks John 🙂
Spinning Dorito LMFAO!!!
we have a red 97 and the top never goes up. I added a roll bar and drilled and slotted brakes and that's it ! we run ethanol free gas and it loves it. have about 110k miles and still looks brand new 😁
I first owned a NB, but after test driving a ND2 I realized….the ND2 is the MX-5 perfected and I was sold. I hope the NE continues that perfection. It’s time for the Club MX-5 to perform like a Lotus.
I own a 1999 MX-5 NB 1.6 and it is such a joyful little car. I personally prefer and love the styling of the NB, it is my first car and I always caught myself going into the garage... just to look at the car.
Great job with this video! Very thoughtful analysis well done!
Thanks Ethan :)
Another well researched up load, well done.
Thanks mate :)
Another brilliant video. As always. I've always been a bit "meh" about the MX-5. Maybe I need to think again.
If you've never driven a well sorted one, you don't know what you're missing. I had one for 8 years and absolutely loved it. It doesn't need any extra power, just enjoy driving it enthusiastically. My favourite moments were in winter on a fine day, with the heater on, roof down, and everyone else looking at me like I'm an idiot, but wondering why I was grinning so much.
@@anthonypetty9288 Sounds like a good idea to me. I'll have to do that sometime real soon.
Love my mk2.. 💗 best car Ive ever had
Nuff said 😁
Bloomin' heck, Ed. That was brilliant. I owned a MX5 in BRG and loved it for its subtle lines and super handling. It was never a flier but on the B road of my native Eden Valley, Cumbria it stitched the corners together perfectly and thrillingly with passes like Hartside it was in its unbeatable element! Thanks again for such a well researched and enthusiastically presented review. You whole series and the dog's unmentionables! Robert
Thanks Robert 🙂
The Miata is also the perfect car for the SCCA racing, and that is where the MX-5 Miata succeeded.
Mazda also had the RX-7 as a convertible, but needed a small sports car.
And many global vehicles came out of SoCal design studios.
And because of the proper weight distribution, and that women fell for this as well as men, it is why the Miata is still popular today.
Excellent presentation!
Thanks as always Frederick 🙂
Well done!
Brilliantly presented and very educational! Well done again young man! 😊👍✅
Thanks Phil 🙂
Well written and presented documentary. Thank you.
Thanks mate :)
Excellent, once again Ed.
Mike
Thanks Mike 🙂
Superb video, well done. I will always regard our Eunos Roadster as the best car we ever owned.
Thanks Scott :)
Thank you for a fantastic History of this Beatiful Sportscar, and the best and interesting story I have evver heard !!!! This is the most Beautiful 2-seats Sportscar in the world, and you have not to be a Millionar to buy it ether !!!! Thank you, from a Sportcar Fan in Norway !!!!!!!!
Thanks Svein :)
As always beautifully narrated. Like you I'm a big fan of the MX5 and the MR2 despite sadly having never owned either.
I did sit in a MK1 Mx5 once fir the full scale arcade version of Ridge Racer in the 90s.
Thanks Mark 🙂
Great video as always Ed, and I never realised the steering wheel was Momo and that the cover came off. Defo one of the best sports cars of my era growing up.
Thanks mate 🙂
Great video, the style reminds me of Top Gear in the '90s - great editing and script! Honestly, this video makes me miss my ND, I have it for 2 years but had to sell in May. Since then I have test driven soo many cars worth double or triple the price, the car holds it's own against them all! Cheers - I have subscribed.
Thanks mate, that's very kind of you :)
Another great video, Ed. Worth mentioning the car's appeal to women. Japanese car companies were realising that at the time and a stylish design that was different to typical laddish cars and also practical was the ticket. No accident that so many are automatics
Thanks Tom 🙂
Are you sure there are that many autos? I’ve certainly never seen an auto in real life, and AutoTrader only lists 30 autos to the 1500 manuals!
I owned a Mk1 MK5... and loved it.
It did rust though.
I've owned two NA's (still have the second). And somewhere I have a picture of my current '90 Miata parked alongside an original Lotus Elan. You can definitely see the influence with the two cars side by side.
Best car ever and I've driven a lot in my years. :)
I use to laugh at these until i bought one and made $6000 profit on it now its true love and they run and handle great with awesome gas mileage.
Yep, you're probably right. It certainly defined the term "sports car" in period. What the VW Golf is to the hatchback, the MX-5 is to the sports car.. Being a member of the generation that grew up in the sixties and could buy a car in the seventies, I would venture that the MG Midget could hold a claim to the title too. Yes, yes, I know, old bloke talking crap, but listen just for a second.
Small, very simple, very light, soft top, cheap, and the most fun you could have on four wheels. If the concept hadn't been already proven in the fifties and sixties, would anyone have bothered in the eighties? Another cracking video Ed. Thanks.
Thanks mate 🙂
I also have a Mazda 2 that I bought in 2019.... for the Winter months......!!!!
Owned an NA 1.8 during my track days. I had been Subaru and turbo up til then. They always say it is better to drive a slow car fast and with the Miata, that is the case. Too slow for me actually, lol. So I sold it. I shouldn't have. Couple years ago my Father in law asked me about one that he liked and I persuaded him to buy it. 1989 NA 1.6 with 30,000 miles on it. All original. Well, that car is in my name too as it is intended for my Son when he gets older. Sorry for him, but my Son will not be getting that car, lol.
Thanks Ed, great video, a love letter to one of my favourite cars. I currently have an ND 1.5 which I love to bits. Thanks so much, and look forward to more content.
Hi Michael. Have you ever driven the 2.0 and if so, how did it compare to your 1.5?
@@davidw6469 Hi David. Depends which 2.0 litre - the early ND1 2.0 has more torque, but only a bit more power, and has a lower rev ceiling. It just didn’t feel as characterful to me, despite being a bit quicker. I like having to work the engine and carry momentum into corners. Also, speeding fines are expensive in Australia. The ND2 has the rasping character of the 1.5 and the same 7,500rpm rev limit and has significantly more power. The ND2 2.0 is the best new MX5, but it also costs near double the price of a nice 1.5 on the second hand market. For context, the ND 1.5 is my daily driver. My previous daily was a BMW E36 3.0 M3 that was getting difficult (and expensive) to maintain as it aged.
Thanks Michael 🙂
Great vid. Very concise and delivered in an engaging manner.
Top lad, keep it up 👍👍🙂
Thanks Mat :)
Another great video Ed and so well presented very enjoyable. I remember them launching and driving one great car
Thanks Michael :)
Ed, top class program again, thoroughly entertaining and informative on a brilliant little sports car....I need to get one of these as well!
Thanks George 🙂
By the time the Miata came out, I’d had 5 different British roadsters: 3 Midgets, an E-Type, and an MGB. I liked the B best of all. The E occasionally scared me. Maybe there is an MX5 in my future. Now that there are cars in every price range.
Hi ,yes a great sports car, owned a 1997, 1.8 Harvard for 9 years , longest ive owned a car, previous was 5 years with a mk1 golf gti 1.8, 8 valve.Love driving em both 🙂👍
Fabulous presentation.
Thanks mate 🙂
Thank you for the history lesson. I have liked the MX5 from the day it was released up to the current model.
Thanks Russell.
I own a G Reg Eunos, and just saying that is like saying I own a 24ct bar of gold, so special.
Another great video! Keep them coming!
Thanks mate 🙂
Brilliant video again Ed. Well done.
Thanks Paul 🙂
I would only argue that it was as you say a re-invention and therefore loses to the archetypal classic like the Austin 7 sports.
It is wonderful and can now only be bettered by a cut down electric sports if at all with complexities and weight built in every modern car.
@5:15 Looking at the cars name..DYK!
From the very beginning, there were combinations of letters that were banned. For example, you couldn't have ARS, BUM, SEX, SOD, JEW, GOD, and the like, while in Northern Ireland KIL and PIG were among those banned.
Unfortunately, some cars in London were registered with DUW at first, until someone pointed out that was the Welsh word for God.
@@MakerfieldConsort 😺👍
@@MakerfieldConsort I had a Mini with NKA...S We called it Knickers. Close as I got to naughty number plate.
While you make a good argument; I would think you're being a little rough. It was more of a "redefinition" than a "re-invention" of a classic sports car.
British roadsters, as 'classic sports cars', were also defined by leaks and unreliability. The experience was understood to be enjoyable, but fraught with compromises.
Mazda took all that and produced a problem-free vision that reduced compromise as much as possible, and this became a new standard.
@@Taurencowpew Yes, I agree I love em. Though you too are being a little rough on (some) British sports cars. Most were so simple hardly anything could go wrong. Take the Spitfire as example, after popping the bonnet, it would allow you to sit on a wheel with access to everything and they were very reliable anyway. I think we forget and are thinking of them after they were 20 years old already. I had a few Triumphs and had no issues ever after sorting out neglected parts.
how come this one had a redline of 6.5k rpms? i thought standard clocks were 7k?
Excellent video!! Really enjoyed that 😁
Thanks George 🙂
Fantastic program. Every word is true. In the 80's there was no proper simple cheap affordable reliable little sportscar for us kids. Shame on Britain's politics and industry, a huge gap opened. Mazda listened and took the leap. Incredible legend and the best of all was that it set a standard for all the other marques that wanted to share in a slice of the cake. My kids were spoiled as they could benefit growing up with the awesome 90's fun cars from BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi that was the direct result of this little gem. Unfortunately although I owned a 323, I never had the Miata as when I was in the market, I couldn't find a nice one for decent money.
Thanks Alexander 🙂
Love these !
Good video Ed .iam the proud owner of a 90 Greg eunos in the same colour as the 1 u reviewed.. looking forward to the next video . Thanks
Thanks Tommy 🙂
Didn't the engineers of the mx-5 have tapes of how an MG gearbox sounded so that they could copy the sound
I believe they bought a Triumph Spitfire as well as the Elan to try and capture the noise, but I couldn’t find any hard evidence of it.