Early Production Roadster: 1990 Mazda Miata

If you get deep enough into the weeds of almost any car, you find out there are special editions and variations that set certain models apart from others. Right now, I’m currently helping a client bring a W113 Pagoda to market that we’ve been analyzing with the help of marque experts to assess whether it is an early production model. Why? Because some collectors value that status so much they might actually pay a bit extra for it. In the case of the beautiful Mariner Blue 1990 Mazda Miata shown here on craigslist, this is believed to be on the earliest NA models produced based on its month and year of assembly. The seller is asking $22,500.

The first run of production started at the first half of 1989 for the 1990 model year. There is some speculation that Mazda considered the earliest cars so-called “Launch Editions” which offered limited colors and specific options, but that’s never been officially declared by the company itself. There is no disputing, however, that Mariner Blue is a color reserved for the first three years of production, so finding one in pristine condition like this is a find in and of itself. The seller notes that this particular Miata is a true base spec, down to the steel wheels, but it came with air conditioning and he’s replaced the cheap plastic window with a glass unit as part of a new top assembly.

NA Miatas really don’t change much car to car, so it’s hard to get excited by the famously hard-wearing interiors. Even well-used Miatas still look pretty decent inside. The combination of entirely manual features, including steering, with optional air conditioning gives this NA an extra layer of intrigue, but it could also be due to the first doctor owner, who owned the car from new until 2023, wanted the purest experience possible without having to sweat for the privilege. The dashboard rarely cracks in these roadsters despite lots of time spent with the top down, so no surprise that this one is holding up well.

What’s surprising is that for all the data the seller mentions (including that he has another Miata at home), there’s no mention of the timing belt job being done. This is essential for not blowing up your Miata, as these are interference engines. In 1990, the 1.6-liter inline-4 produced 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. Not a particularly stirring amount of power, but more than enough for road test editors then and now to compare the Miata to the classic Lotus Elan. The seller’s car is one of those Miatas you can enjoy without fearing you’ll damage a high-end piece of trim, such as in an M Edition, while still enjoying the rarity of an early model in a great color.