Time Capsule: 1999 Mazda MX-5 with 1,300 miles for sale
This is the best-selling roadster in the world: the Mazda MX-5. This convertible was made more than a million times in total, and the fourth-generation MX-5 is now available. A very special example currently on sale in the US: The 23 year old MX-5 has great mileage and is in like new condition!
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Painted in elegant “Emerald Green Mica”, beautiful 15-inch five-spoke rims and classic Nardi leather steering wheel; everything is in condition like a short 3.96 meter Mazda slid from the showroom just yesterday. Here, Mazda enthusiasts and collectors will have the unique opportunity to get their hands on a used MX-5 that is over 20 years old and in brand new condition.
Only 2103 kilometers in 23 years
Bringatrailer.com offers a 1999 Mazda Miata (that’s how the MX-5 is called in the US) with an incredible 1307-mile odometer. The equivalent of 2103 kilometers in just under 23 years means the roadster doesn’t drive an average of 100 kilometers per year. MX-5 condition is also not touched. The dark green metallic paint is spotless and photos of the underbody also show that the MX-5 has moved a bit.
Nothing was filmed here: The tiny digital screen shows 1307 miles, which equates to 2103 kilometers. The tank is even full.
The model offered is the second generation MX-5. It bears the abbreviation NB and was sold between 1998 and 2005. Compared to the original NA model, the distinctive pop-up headlights have been replaced with regular headlights.
In addition, the two generations have visual similarities which are also reflected in the almost identical dimensions. Mazda offers a more powerful engine in the NB. Four-cylinder engines with displacements of 1.6 and 1.8 liters remained, which produced a maximum of 146 hp on the second-generation MX-5 in Europe.
1.8 liter four-cylinder with 140 hp
Under the hood of the MX-5, painted with Emerald Green Mica, is a naturally aspirated 1.8 liter engine with 140 hp and 162 Nm. As befits a sporty roadster weighing over a tonne, a sharp five-speed manual transmission takes over the power transmission.
Looks like new: the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine has just covered 2103 kilometers.
Rear-wheel drive is a matter of honor with the MX-5. Although performance is manageable on paper, the lightweight Mazda accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of over 200 km/h.
Back to Mazda’s condition: The simple interior with narrow fabric seats looks like new. You won’t find any damage here – which shouldn’t be surprising given the original mileage of 2103 km.
Neat cockpit: The interior of the Mazda MX-5 is simple, but clear.
There’s not a lot of equipment on board, but a pure roadster doesn’t need it. Notable features include air conditioning, CD radio and the coveted “Sports Package”. These include a front apron attachment, spoiler lip for the trunk lid, Bilstein shock absorbers and Torsen differential.
MX-5 still with original tires
However, depending on the planned application area, the new owner still has some things to do. On the one hand, the soft top is no longer in 1a condition – already showing obvious dents and creases.
MX-5 number two: After the very successful original NA model, the second generation MX-5 came to the market in 1998.
On the other hand, a new set of tires is due; At least if the MX-5 is piloted in the future, as the original Michelin Pilot SX from 1999 is currently still installed. Even if the profile is still good, the tires must be replaced because they are over 20 years old.
Is this MX-5 too good to drive?
In the end, as is often the case with such “time capsules,” the question arises: what happened to this car? The low-mileage MX-5 is either too good to drive or too expensive either way.
Two days before the end of the auction, the highest bid was equivalent to 13,335 euros (14,000 US dollars). In Germany, the cheapest ready-to-use NB MX-5 starts from around 3000 euros. A self-administered first-hand copy with five-figure mileage is already available for around 7000 euros.
It threatens the dark green MX-5 with the sad fate of moving from one collection to another and the (new?) tires standing tall there. Too bad actually!
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