30K Mile: 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Anniversary Edition

When it comes to special editions, Mazda has historically always done a bang-up job with the MX-5 Miata. It never fails to combine the exclusivity of a limited-production model with actually limited production, performance upgrades, and just enough cosmetic tweaks to help it stand out without being obnoxious. You don’t need a glossy decal kit or elaborate body kits to signal that you’re driving a Miata that Mazda intentionally kept limited in distribution. This 1999 10th Anniversary edition listed here on craigslist is one of those examples, and it shows just over 30,000 original miles.

The M-Edition Miatas are among some of the most treasured and still-attainable sports cars made, and the upgrades were subtle at best. BBS wheels are the tell-tale sign, along with a Nardi steering wheel and shift knob. The later 10th Anniversary edition added a few more details to the mix, including a limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, a front strut tower brace, exclusive Sapphire Blue Metallic paint with a two-tone matching interior, along with blue carpeting and the requisite Nardi upgrades. This example has been modified with some Panasport wheels, but the originals are included.

Of course, like any good special edition, there’s some swag involved, and Mazda certainly ensured that its loyal customers weren’t left out when it came to making their purchase memorable. You got the 10AE Certificate of Authenticity as well as 10AE keychain, and I’m guessing the hats got thrown in for free. The seller also has a tonneau cover with storage bag. Beyond the goodies, the biggest story about this special edition Miata was the 6-speed manual, which was a first-ever offering in the venerable roadster.

Personally, I’d swap the stock wheels back on before listing it for sale. The Panasports simply look too “old” for this modern droptop, but I can see a seasoned British car fan liking the old-school look as a throwback to the glory days of MGBs and Austin Healeys. With 140 b.h.p. and 119 lb-ft torque, the Miata will always be a bit of a momentum car, but the sublime handling and bulletproof reliability more than make up for any shortfalls in the horsepower department. This is honey of a 10AE Miata, and thanks goes to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for sending it in.