The perfect mix of power, reliability and affordability all mixed into one made the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 a hit from the off. Despite rising prices, the first generation MX-5, or Eunos, is a modern classic that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Here’s what to know before buying one.
Words: Paul Wager.
How did the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 come about?
The history of the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 is well documented but varies curiously, depending on who you believe: one version is that Japanese-speaking US car journalist Bob Hall, then editor of Autoweek had suggested to Mazda Research and Development Chief Kenichi Yamamoto that a simple, fun two-seater sports car should be produced to fill the gap in the market left by the departure of the traditional British cars, at the time filled only by the X1/9 and ageing Alfa Spider.
By 1981 Hall had taken a job in the product planning department of Mazda’s Californian R&D operation which allowed him to pursue the idea further. To his apparent surprise the response was positive and the project was adopted for development.
Mazda’s corporate history however tells it a different way: the company had identified a need to produce an innovative model to make the brand stand out from other marques and a team of engineers noticed that the traditional roadster was all but extinct, leaving an opportunity to create a modern equivalent. Senior management apparently wasn’t so keen but the enthusiasm of one particular staff member persuaded them to approve the project. The real truth is most likely a combination of both tales, with that super-keen staffer probably being Hall, but the result was the Mazda eXperimental number 5, or MX-5.
The car itself was a very international affair for a Japanese maker in those days, with the stylist Wu-Huang Chin being an ex-GM American, and the first running prototypes built up by IAD here in the UK before being tested at MIRA near Nuneaton. The first on-road drives took place in California before development was completed back in Mazda’s Hiroshima facility.
The original brief had assumed a significant degree of component sharing with other models, but the development team under Toshihiko Hirai took the car’s handling so seriously that it ended up being almost a clean-sheet design: suspension was independent by wishbones, with an aluminium bonnet and advanced body engineering to trim weight down to a point where a powerful engine wasn’t needed. The engine, gearbox and rear axle were linked by a skeletal structure linking front and rear ends inside the transmission tunnel in an echo of Lotus’s backbone chassis and the result was a very rigid structure.
Launched as the Eunos in the US in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 ‘NA’ was launched in Europe in 1990 and the UK was one of the biggest markets, snapping up 2246 examples in that first year. It would go on to define an entirely new market and see the European makers desperately playing catch-up. Indeed, if not for the Mazda, it’s possible we’d never have seen many iconic modern classics including BMW Z3, MGF, Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK.
Power came from the B6ZE 1598cc, 90 bhp engine derived from that in the 323. An alloy-head twin-cam, 16-valve unit, it ran a Mazda-licensed version of Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection and drove the rear wheels through a five-speed manual box. In May 1994 the range was broadened with the addition of a 1.8i model, using an 1840cc version of the same engine, producing 131bhp with torque up from the 97lb ft of the 1.6i to 114lb ft. Just as significant as the extra grunt was the bracing added to 1.8-litre models which included a lower strut brace and what Mazda termed ‘performance rods’ which were longitudinal braces to better locate the rear axle. The 1.8i models also gained larger brakes and generally higher spec.
At the same time a new 1.8iS model was also offered, mechanically identical to the 1.8i but offering better equipment including electric mirrors, colour-coded mudflap spats, remote boot release, wider 6×14 wheels, driver’s airbag, leather steering wheel, power steering, electric windows, radio, stainless trims and ABS.
And that was pretty much that apart from the explosion of special editions, until the model was replaced by the second generation ‘NB’ car in the UK in April 1998. This was really little more than a facelift, based on the original design but with a revised front end treatment which lost the pop-up lamps and with a redesigned roof incorporating a glass window. One big improvement was the enlarged boot which made a big difference to the practicality of the car.
Today , the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 has made the full journey from must-have latest toy to down-at-heel cheap fun car, grudgingly accepted modern classic and now arguably a fully-fledged classic. All of which means that the demand for clean, original Mk1 MX-5s in standard form has seen values rising, with even projects now commanding more than they would have done just a couple of years ago.
Despite this, they’re still great value, but you do need to be aware of the pitfalls, so here’s what to look for.
Mazda MX-5 buyer’s guide
Engine
The engines really are tough in the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 and unless they’ve been run without oil or water then you can expect few problems. Some components are pricey, such as coil packs, which can apparently fail if you leave the ignition on for long periods without the engine running. Other than that, make the usual checks for rattles, noises and smoke but generally if they have oil and water then they will last well. As you will know, there are many modified MX-5s out there so ask the owner about any modifications.
Oil leaks don’t tend to be major but can occur from items like the camshaft sensor at the rear of the unit.
Don’t forget that the engine uses a cam belt, so check for evidence of it being changed.
Suspension & Brakes
When properly set up, these cars offer a great combination of ride and handling but it’s all adjustable and incorrect geometry can make them feel twitchy and give them a restless ride too. Suspension components are generally readily available, but some can be costly. If the outer ball joint for the front upper wishbone fails, the ball joint can be replaced without the entire arm.
Low-speed noises are often down to ageing anti-roll bar drop links, while bushes can all be replaced or upgraded. Check for broken coil springs, too and while you’re under there check that the steel suspension arms aren’t excessively corroded.
As is common on cars with rear brake discs or rotors which also use the caliper for the handbrake, the assembly can suffer from either sticking sliding pins or handbrake linkage. The simple cure is a reconditioned caliper from around £70 each, or a new seal kit at £30.
ABS sensors can be expensive at around £90-£170, and if they fail, there’s no getting around the warning light on the dashboard that will in turn fail the MoT test – it needs to come on with the ignition and go out with the engine running. The sensors can seize into the hub but if they can’t be removed without drilling, then a cheaper solution can be a used hub.
Mazda MX-5 Mk1 bodywork & roof
The Mk1 MX-5s are old cars now and the biggest issue will be body rot. It’s confined to one specific area though, namely the rear of the sill area. It’s crucial to keep the drain tubes from the roof storage area clear, since if they block up then water will effectively overflow and then rot out the inner structure at the rear of the sill.
A quick and dirty repair can be achieved by simply plating up the outside of the sill, but a proper job involves removing the outer section and welding in a repair section to the inner structure before repairing the outer skin and tidying it up again for paint. Do it properly and the car’s good for another 20 years, but it can be costly compared to the car’s value.
Other areas can include the bottom of the front wings and in extreme cases, the scuttle at the base of the screen pillars. It’s also worth checking the floors for rust caused by leaks.
The convertible top is a world away from the tent-on-sticks fitted to an MGB for example but it’s still a relatively basic single-skinned affair with lined rear quarters and therefore not too costly to replace if you need to.
The glass rear window didn’t arrive until the Mk2 Eunos, so all Mk1s came with a plastic window which needs to be carefully folded as you lower the roof. Many owners didn’t bother and the plastic became permanently creased and even split. Specialists can offer a replacement rear roof section with a zipped-in plastic window, or a whole new roof is under £500. It’s also possible to replace the roof with an upgrade including a glass window for around £600.
Fitting a used roof is another option and an easy DIY task as the entire roof and frame can be transferred as a single unit.
Interior
There’s not a lot of it and what there is tends to be pretty durable. Tatty seats can be retrimmed using a cover set by a keen DIYer to great effect, while proper moulded carpet sets are also available. Take a few minutes to check for wiring bodges by people fitting aftermarket sound systems and alarms as they’re so often done very badly. Items like instrument cowls, console faces and armrests can all be bought separately to refurbish a hacked-about cabin.
Ready to take on your own project? Well, if you fancy taking your Mk1 MX-5 to new heights of performance, make sure to have a read of our N/A Miata tuning guide!
Mazda MX-5 Mk1 Special Edition models
- March 1991: Limited Edition – Based on the 1.8i, the Limited Edition celebrated the MX-5’s first birthday. Only 250 were made, in British Racing Green, with 15-inch BBS cross-spoke alloys, leather seats, wooden steering wheel and wood gearknob.
- November 1990: BBR Turbo – With a turbo conversion developed by Brodie Brittain Racing, power shot up to 150 bhp… and shot many unsuspecting owners backwards into the hedge at the same time. A limited-slip differential was available to order at the same time.
- September 1991: Le Mans – Produced to commemorate Johnny Herbert’s win at the 1991 Le Mans with the rotary-engined racer, the 24-off Le Mans edition used a garish orange and white colour scheme mimicking the racer, a body styling kit and BBR turbo conversion, retailing at £20,499.
- April 1992: SE – Initially based on the 1.6i model, 200 SE’s were made in 1992 and retailed at £18,686. With Brilliant Black paintwork, 15-inch wheels, leather seats, wooden wheel and wood gearknob, it proved to be a popular model, prompting Mazda to produce another 150 in 1993.
- May 1995: California – Distinctive Sunburst Yellow paintwork set the California apart. The 300-off edition also featured 15-inch alloys and sports steering wheel, retailing at £15,795.
- October 1995: Gleneagles – A 400-off special based on the 1.8i, the £16,500 Gleneagles featured Montego Blue paintwork, 15-inch alloys, leather interior trim, wood console trim, special steering wheel and the Gleneagles tartan motif on the gearshift gaiter.
- June 1996: Monaco – The press release announcing the £13,750 Monaco pointed out that it was £2,645 below the cheapest MGF. Based on the 1.6i, the Monaco came in British Racing Green with a tan roof and featured alloy wheels and a standard stereo.
- June 1996: Merlot – The Merlot was painted in a special colour called Vin Rouge and backed up the luxury theme with leather seats, wood trim, CD player, alloys and power steering.
- January 1997: Dakar – The 400-off Dakar came in Twilight Blue, sat on 15-inch alloys and retailed at £17,210. The inside featured grey leather with blue piping, wood trim, stainless sill trims and brace bar, plus Dakar mats and Momo wheel.
- May 1997: Monza – The 800-off British Racing Green Monza was based on the 1.6i and came with 14-inch alloys, upgraded stereo… and not a lot else for your £14,595.
- May 1997: Harvard – A 500-off edition, the Harvard came in silver metallic with the 15-inch alloys and an interior featuring burgundy leather, wood trim, Momo wheel, burgundy carpet mats, stainless sill trims and brace bar plus CD player.
- October 1997: Classic – Based on the 1.8i and listed at £17,495, the Classic came in Brilliant Black and sat on distinctive 15-inch alloys with red-stitched black leather seats, wood trims, Momo steering wheel, stainless sill trims, brace bar, special floor mats and special key fob. More usefully, power steering was standard.
- January 1998: Berkeley – Based on the 1.8i, the 400-off Berkeley came in Sparkle Green with 15-inch alloys and inside your £17,600 got you black leather seats, light grey centre panels and door panels, dark burl wood trim, Momo steering wheel, stainless brace bar and scuff plates, boot rack, CD player and special mats. Oh and a Berkeley key fob.
Tech Spec: Mazda MX-5 Mk1 1.8
Engine: 1840cc 16v
Max power: 131bhp @ 6500rpm
Max torque: 114lb ft @ 5000rpm
Transmission: Five-spped manual, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Independent double wishbones front and rear
Brakes: 251 mm front discs, 251 mm rear
Wheels and tyres: 6×14 alloy with 185/60 tyres
Kerb weight: 990 kg
Max speed: 123 mph
0-62 mph: 8.6 secs
Economy: 33 mpg
