1997 Mazda MX5 1.8iS, 1839 cc. Registration number P473 MOW,...

Estimate

£2,000 - £2,500

1997 Mazda MX5 1.8iS, 1839 cc. Registration number P473 MOW, Chassis number JMZNA18P200311753, Engine number BP247000.
First generation MX5 models were built between 1989 and 1998 and are known as the MK1. They are also referred to by their model code, NA. In many peoples opinion the most iconic version of the MX5, the MK1's most distinctive feature is its "pop up" headlights, whereas all subsequent versions of the MX5 have "fixed" lamps. When it was first launched in Japan in 1989 (then subsequently in the UK in 1990), the MK1 was only available with a 1.6 litre 114bhp engine, although later versions had a 1.8 litre. The MX-5 is conceptually the evolution and spiritual successor of the British sports cars of the 1950's and '60s, such as the Triumph Spitfire, Austin-Healey 100, MG MGA, and particularly the Lotus Elan. In 2009, Jeremy Clarkson wrote : "The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I'm giving it five stars is because I can't give it fourteen".
This late NA model is one of the rarer 18 litre, 130bhp models and has been owned by our vendor for some five years during which time he has added some 6,000 miles to the odometer, now just over 102,000 miles. He purchased the car from renowned MG specialists CCHL of Hull, it came with an older body restoration. Finished in British racing green with a tan interior and hood bag it comes with a Nardi wooden rimmed steering wheel, electric windows and ABS (very rare on this model). It has been waxoiled and the cambelt was changed at 98,381 miles. Recent work includes having the sills and lower rear wheel arches professionally repaired and painted, with special care taken to protect the hidden cavities, photographic evidence of the work is provided. Sold with the V5C, a new MOT and history file for the vendor's term of ownership.