Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
Number 158/300, a UK Mk1 Mazda MX5 California with one owner and 27,397 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Laminated windscreen, retractable halogen headlamps, rear fog lamp, bright finish door handles, colour keyed bumpers and door mirrors, colour keyed mud guards, manual folding black canvas soft top, rear tonneau with storage bag, side impact beams, suspension brace bar, window etching, tachometer, bucket seats, adjustable headrests, interior light, cigar lighter and illuminated ashtray, locking glovebox, locking centre storage box, panel light control. California key features; One of 300 UK cars produced, unique Sunburst Yellow paintwork, 15in alloys wheels and 195/50 VR15 tyres, power steering, Clarion CRX601R RDS Audio unit, numbered plaque 158/300, special California document wallet. Dealer options; Moss 115 alarm/immobiliser, window security etching, MX-5 carpet mats, chrome air vent bezels, car cover, rear screen protector.
EXTERIOR
This incredibly rare limited-edition Mazda MX-5 is finished in factory original Sunburst Yellow, (Code HZ), a vibrant colour to match the charisma of the car. Only 300 UK examples were produced in this colour despite pressure from buyers to offer the colour across the range. A vibrant gloss shine exists owing to enthusiast pampered care and garage storage from new under the care of just one owner. The normally problematic sills are spotlessly clean and the factory spot welds to the inner wheel arch lips reveal further originality. The original black canvas hood is in perfect order with a tight fit and the rear screen is largely preserved with only light scratches thanks to the conscientious owner fitting a screen protector. The supplying dealer Mazda number plates remain fitted front and rear as does the security coded window etching and factory labels, one slightly pealing. The epitome of a modern classic sports car, preserved to the highest order.
INTERIOR
Trimmed in the standard flame retardant Black Cloth upholstery, (Code NA3), the interior is exactly how Mazda intended. Everything is co-ordinated and operates perfectly. The limited-edition numbered plaque revealing this as number 158 of 300 reminds the owner of the exclusivity of this model. The high-backed seats have adjustable headrests offering maximum comfort and support and are in excellent preserved condition. Dealer fit MX-5 carpet mats show slight markings having offered protection from new. The classic sports dashboard houses a cluster of crystal-clear instruments that function precisely. Smart chrome air vent bezels are fitted and the original Clarion CRX601R stereo is functional with a slightly faded yet still legible display. The tonneau cover still has the ultra-rare storage bag and the tool kit, wheel brace and covered space saver wheel are all present and spotlessly clean. The factory build label to the offside door aperture is present.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
To experience driving a well maintained and cared for Mk 1 MX-5 is a true motoring delight, especially in the most powerful 130bhp version. The lightweight 1.8 litre 16v DOHC engine sits low and behind the front axle to offer a low centre of gravity and centralised weight distribution making handling perfectly balanced and delightfully responsive. A top speed of 123mph and 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds is quoted and the engine bay is amazingly clean. The close ratio short throw gearbox provides light and precise gear changes. Sparkling performance!
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
This exceptional Mazda has unique unmarked factory fitted 15inch alloy wheels with original Mazda emblem centre caps which show slight aging. Premium Firestone 195/50 R15 tyres with excellent tread remaining are fitted to all four corners. Powerful disc brakes all-round install maximum braking confidence.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied new on the 1st August 1995 by Oxford Mazda, the car was first registered to ERM, (Environmental Resources Management), to their registered office in Cavendish Square, London. The car was ordered new by a Director of the company for his wife and the original Oxford Mazda order form and sales invoice confirms the price new of £16,345. In June 1999, the Director purchased the car from the company for the sum of £8,000 as confirmed by an invoice in the history file and ownership has remained with her since new. The large history folder contains the all-important California document wallet housing all handbooks, guides, dealership point of sale literature and the service book. A separate file holds the original welcome letters from Mazda, MOT certificates dating back to the first in 1998 and all service invoices. The most recent service was carried out in April 2023 along with a cambelt change. There are three sets of keys including the original grey master key.
Husband and wife owners have enjoyed active membership of the MX-5 Owners Club and it is very clear the car has been dearly cherished. Virtually impossible to find in such an original low mileage unmolested condition, especially with the same owner! This car is sure to delight the collector and is perfectly suited to an enthusiast wanting to experience fun and reliable classic motoring, just as Mazda intended when new 28 years ago!
MOT May 2024, HPI Clear.