1996 Mazda MX-5

First registered in June 1996, this beautiful first-generation MX-5 has covered just 60,000 miles from new. Its seven previous owners have clearly treasured it as it is still in stunning condition, something that has been helped in no small way by the current owner’s habit of garaging it during the three years he’s owned it.

Viewing is always encouraged and this car can be seen with us in Abingdon.

The British Racing Green coachwork is in excellent condition with tight, even panel gaps and doors that still close and latch easily. The sills, which have a tendency to rust on even the most carefully curated examples, have been properly replaced and are still in good condition.

There are a few blemishes, stone chips and some swirl marks from over-enthusiastic polishing but there is nothing to detract from the car’s overall appearance and a good machine polish would bring it back to a fine finish in only a couple of hours. As can be seen in the Gallery, there are some paint blemishes in the bootlid, but this does not recur over the rest of the car.

The car comes with the optional removable hardtop, a worthwhile accessory that helps turn the MX-5 into a genuine all-weather vehicle. (One of us ran one on winter tyres a few years ago and found it almost unstoppable in all but the deepest snow…) The hardtop hides a very good vinyl roof fitted with a heated glass rear screen upgrade along with the associated wiring, relay and switch. As we say, this example would be an easy companion all year round.

The alloy wheels are shod with matching Goodyear tyres, which were only fitted 3,500 miles ago in June 2016, so still have lots of tread. However, the wheels do show some light ‘kerbing’.

The tan leather interior is in remarkably good shape, being free of rips, tears and scuffs. In fact, we can only find some gentle patination to the driver’s side seat, which is remarkable given the car’s age. The Momo steering wheel is also in very good condition and benefits from an airbag.

Everything works as it should but that shouldn’t be a surprise because driving a modern classic like this brings almost all of the benefits of running a new car along with the elegance and fun of driving a classic.

The car has been recently serviced and was fitted with a replacement alternator in November 2016, new front and rear brake pads in August 2018, and new coil springs in September 2017. The owner tells us that it starts, stops and runs very well indeed and is free of mechanical faults.

We have looked at the car, and the underneath appears free of fluid leaks, and the chassis is covered amply in its original underseal with no sign of any rot or similar.

If you really want faults, the driver’s electric window isn’t the quickest, a new exhaust tip could replace the old, rusty one, the belts might need tightening after the recent alternator change and a soft-top catch needs a couple of goes to sometimes fold away (used replacement supplied). Nothing’s perfect.

The online MOT history shows absolutely nothing of concern with no mention of rust, rot or structural corrosion whatsoever and the current certificate expires at the end of September 2018. Wonderfully, there is a virtually complete suite of service book stamps and old MOT certificates proving both the mileage and the care received. The car’s current owner has completed all works himself so there are only invoices included for parts used (with handwritten notes of dates fitted). Importantly there is a professional report from late 2016 detailing an engine inspection which states that the cambelt is in good condition and should next be inspected at 77,000 miles.

The car comes with a cover for the hardtop and an assortment of spare parts including cambelt, water pump, brake pads, fuel filter, ashtray etc.

Please visit the ‘Gallery’ section of this listing where you will find copies of these documents, along with a number of old invoices and the car’s handbook.

As serial classic car buyers we like to see two things when we’re browsing the classifieds: the first is a comprehensive service record that evidences the care the vehicle has received from its previous owners. Old MOTs, invoices and bills, and a fully stamped service record book all warm the cockles of our aging, cynical hearts.

The second is a set of matching tyres. Experience shows that if the car’s previous custodians have forked out for decent rubber then they tend not to have skimped on the sort of stuff that is less easily checked, which is precisely the sort of reassurance that helps us sleep more easily after investing in another car we don’t really need…

And we’d be the first to admit that while very few of us actually need an MX-5, almost all of us would like one in the garage - and this is just the car to start your classic car history with; not for nothing is the Mk 1 MX-5 known as the motoring journalists’ favourite, with a surprisingly high number keeping a cherished example on their personal fleet.

In largely original condition and structurally sound, this example’s comprehensive service history and low recorded mileage should reassure potential bidders that their money is being held in a safe place.

As for how much money we are talking about, we expect this time-warp NA-series car to reach something close to £4,000, which might be near the top of the scale for an early MX-5 but is a sum that still represents extraordinarily good value given the fun you’re going to have in it, especially when you consider that the supply of original early MX-5s is finite - and shrinking by the week…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen here at Patina HQ in Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.