Mazda made no secret that it drew heavily on the styling and spirit of classic British sports cars when developing the original MX-5 Miata. Motoring writers drew styling comparisons with the Lotus Elan, and there were engineering touches below the surface to enhance that impression. The First Generation received significant changes in 1994, and these are the cars that enthusiasts most highly covet. Our feature Miata is one of those vehicles, and its appeal is increased by the original owner’s decision to order it in the most desirable paint shade offered that year. It is a tidy and solid turnkey classic that needs a new home. Therefore, the current owner has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The current owner didn’t encounter this Miata by accident, but it came into his possession after an exhaustive two-year search. He purchased the car in 2022 for his daughter as a replacement for a 1990 model she had driven in college, locating the Mazda in the dry climes of Nevada. Changed circumstances mean this classic needs a new home. Mazda introduced Laguna Blue to the MX-5 color palette in 1994, and its decision to only offer it for two years makes it one of the most desirable and highly-sought colors. That is the shade gracing this car’s flanks, and its overall appearance is positive. There is some slight deterioration on the hood, but the current owner says that the winning bidder could opt for preservation over a repaint of the offending panel. The car has been garage-kept throughout its life, helping to explain why this is the only paint issue. Its history makes the total lack of rust and the excellent state of the soft-top unsurprising. The plastic and trim look perfect, as does the glass. The MX-5 rolls on aftermarket wheels that add a purposeful touch to its appearance.
Mazda’s most significant change to the Miata in 1994 was the introduction of a larger engine. The capacity of the fuel-injected twin-cam four rose to 1.8-liters, pushing power and torque from 105hp and 100 ft/lbs to 128hp and 110 ft/lbs. The change was instantly felt under the right foot because five-speed examples like this Miata slashed the ¼-mile ET from 17.7 seconds to 16.6 seconds. Potential buyers should consider this MX-5 a turnkey proposition because it runs and drives perfectly. The owner uses the car about once a month, performing maintenance tasks like changing the oil and ensuring the tires are at the correct pressure. He believes the tires have another 25,000 – 30,000 miles left on them, meaning the winning bidder will need to spend nothing on this classic beyond the purchase price.
This little Mazda’s interior is tidy for a vehicle of this vintage, with no significant problems or issues. The leather on the outer edge of the driver’s seat is slightly worn, but a specialist should be able to bring this back without splashing the cash on replacement covers. Otherwise, this interior has no needs or shortcomings. There are no signs of crumbling plastic, and the carpet is stain-free. The winning bidder will drive away in a classic featuring a driver’s airbag, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and a high-end CD stereo.
It often takes years for a car to achieve legendary status, but Mazda hit the mark perfectly with the MX-5 Miata. So successful was it that it seemed many organizations were creating awards exclusively for the little drop-top. These cars offer the style and charisma of a classic British sports car but with typical Mazda bulletproof engineering and reliability. There are faster cars on the planet, but few combine an engaging driving experience with practicality, making the MX-5 Miata an effective daily driver. If that sounds like a winning combination, maybe you should join the bidding party on this beauty.
- Location: East Point, Georgia
- Mileage: 115,641 Miles Shown
- Engine: 1.8-Liter Four-Cylinder
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- VIN: JM1NA3535R0507125
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Sparky bid $5,200.00 2023-07-27 14:21:39
Frogwarts bid $5,100.00 2023-07-27 11:06:22
Brandon Burck bid $5,000.00 2023-07-27 10:21:06- Sparky bid $4,900.00 2023-07-24 11:42:13
smoking59 bid $4,800.00 2023-07-24 11:33:22- Sparky bid $4,100.00 2023-07-23 10:45:20
Alucard82 bid $4,000.00 2023-07-23 01:25:23
3D bid $3,000.00 2023-07-22 09:14:55
Gee bid $2,500.00 2023-07-22 08:22:24- Alucard82 bid $500.00 2023-07-22 07:14:57
Torqueandrecoil bid $100.00 2023-07-21 21:47:02
Hi. Lovely color….I had a ’94 Montego Blue M Edition until I let it go a year or so ago. Two questions….can you provide any detail on the exposed wiring running out the driver’s side door and the ‘ding’ in what looks to be the passenger side rear quarter panel? Thanks.
“ding” seems to be a reflection, one of the other pictures it seems clear.
Wiring is a mystery.
Not sure where they got the 1.6 numbers from, but it was 116hp and 16.9 1/4 time, not earth shattering but still. Unfortunately the 1.8 also gained weight and taller gearing. The nicest combo is a 1.8 swapped 1.6. Loose those awful wheels for something lighter and it improve the ride and performance dramatically. Otherwise a nice looking car.
Why ???
What?
I hope google translate did that guy dirty, because if that was one string of consciousness worried.
Seems to have “good bones” despite those gaudy wheels. But that wiring shown in the interior photo is more than a little concerning. Any info on last timing belt/water pump service?
There are 4 generations of the Miata. Everyone who has owned one seems to like them very much. There have been a few comparisons as to which generation is the best. Most said that the version starting in 2006 ( 3rd generation or as it’s called the NC) was the favorite. It had a 2 liter 4 and it was the first year without a timing belt. It had a lot more power than the previous 2 generations ( NA and NB) and was a bit bigger. The critics said that it felt better than the latest version known as the ND as well. I drove a base convertible with a 5 speed and it was fun.seened well built, surprising acceleration, and simple. There was a higher level with a 6 speed. Automatics are said to take the fun away from it. Nice cars that are not frequently seen.
Not understanding the wires….some p-poor routing of some after market bits??? I am really in search for one with an auto for the Mrs. I would prefer to teach her how to drive stick, but with age the less enthusiastic I am about fixing clutches.
It’s one of the easiest cars on the planet to learn to drive stick on – have taught several on mine – and is also a very easy car to replace a clutch on if it goes badly lol.
They really are a better car in manual as well.
Seller, do you still have the original wheels?
…still no answer on those mystery wires…cannot bid unless response is made,,,
Where is this located?