The Mazda MX-5 is the Most Important Sports Car of All Time
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- Of all the world's affordable sports cars, only one has established an uninterrupted and incredibly successful dynasty, and it all started here in 1989, with the original NA Mazda MX-5, Mazda Miata, and Eunos Roadster.
When Bob Hall proposed his idea of a lightweight roadster in 1976, few knew it would even happen, never mind take thirteen years to reach production. Following the styling themes of the Lotus Elan and the engineering principles of dozens of classic British sports cars, the MX-5 has become an icon in its own right.
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I had an NA and an NB.
Had to put up with the predictable hairdresser jokes but the driving experience with the roof down made it all worth while.
Nowadays the jokes have died off and MX5s are generally viewed as what they always were, great drivers cars.
Ed, every time when you're talking about an engine and you say "it's a twin-cam" I see a gleam in your eye. Another great watch.
It singlehandedly brought the 'roadster' back to life, when it first launched back in 1989.
I think it was Jeremy Clarkson, who described it at as "a British Sports car, built properly by the Japanese". I am pleased to have owned one (my wifes actually, but I maintained it). We had a Eunos Roadster 1.6 Auto. with the optional hard top, for winter use. We loved it very much. Only got rid of it, as my wife was having difficulty getting in and out of it, as age progressed.
Should have kept the car and traded the wife in for a newer model!
@@koitorob It did cross my mind. LOL
I can't be the only one now reciting in ones mind "a British Sports car, built properly..................by the Japanese". A-La-Clarkson!
I’ve had a 1991 model Miata since 1999. It has been truly a delight!
The MX-5 reinvented the roadster, paved the way for many competitors, and a wave of retro-style throughout the car industry in the years to follow. In that sense the MX-5 has been a very important contribution to the automotive history. Grate video !!!
Thanks mate 🙂
I had forgotten that.... that the Miata ushered in a wave of retro vehicles. Good point!
@@warrenny A new wave. Neoclassic cars were just dying out at the time. The MX-5 ushered in a new era of retro styling that brought the ‘60s back rather than the ‘20s and ‘30s like the neoclassics (and Morgan) did.
Ed I drove a pre production Mx5 before they hit uk showrooms, since I was company photographer for IAD (International Automotive Design based in Worthing who did the chassis and other work then built five to test). Nobody knew what the mariner blue car was and it got loads of attention. I ran a Fiat x1/9 as my personal car at the time, one of the cars IAD/Mazda evaluated when considering the Mx5 concept.
Cracking little cars.. we still have a Eunos in the family. Well done on yet another great presentation!
P. S. We also have a toyota mr2 which is also brilliant, you should perhaps review one of these sometime?
Adam 👍
Ahh fantastic! IAD seem to have played a pretty big part in the MX-5’s creation.
I also love the X1/9, and I feel was probably the best link between the ‘classic’ era of sports cars, lasting just long enough to meet the MX-5’s creation.
I’d love to do a video on an MR2, could you drop me an email?
twincamcars@gmail.com
@@TwinCam yes IAD played a massive part doing concept evaluation and early modelling through to design and assembly of earliest cars. I'll drop you an email thanks Ed
I had an X1/9 for a time and it was a lot of fun but not fully developed. Engine got quite hot and produced vapour locks. Front brakes could lock up easily. But a boot both fore and aft thanks to the targa top. I now have a Mk3 MR2, even more fun but much less practical, no boot at all! But drove MX5's a couple of times and absolutely loved the experience.
In 1989, we were faced with a dearth of small sports cars. The MGB, MG Midget, Fiat X1/9, Fiat 124 Spyder, Pontiac Fiero, Datsun 2000, Honda S850, Triumph TR-7 and a list of other less remarkable sports cars were all dead. Nobody wanted them, the manufacturers said.
I am reminded of a statement attributed to Lord Rootes. "Build a proper automobile, and people will buy it." Mazda did exactly that.
Only the Scimitar SS1/Sabre stuck around to link those two eras. But it wasn’t exactly a strong seller.
I think about 1600 cars in 11 years or so 😬
Mazda were selling nearly double that number of MX-5s a month just in the US!
IIRC, the FWD team's concept ended up being recycled as the Australian Ford (sold in the us as a Mercury) Capri roadster, which was basically FWD 323 mechanicals with a roadster body.
The FWD team's drivetrain went in the Capri, but the body was derived from the Ghia Barchetta show car from about 1983, and commissioned by Ford.
@@wanderinggentile Thanks for the info! That definitely makes sense, especially with the Ford/Ghia relationship. :)
Ooh that’s a cool fact!
I have a 93 black/tan Miata and it's definitely a car to keep for life. I will be buried in it.
This is brilliant Ed, I remember when this car was released and seeing my first one when touring Germany back in the 80's on a motorcycle. That was the start, seeing many more in a matter of months after that all being driven by drivers with wide grins on there faces both on the autobahn and the twisty Bavarian roads. The same grins could be observed when I returned to England. Drivers could once again have fun in an open top car without the concern of reliability or having to shell out the extra cost of a BMW Z1 in left hand drive only if I recall correctly. Keep up the great work Ed!. This provided so much more back ground to the MX5 that I had no idea about.
Thanks Anthony 🙂
The MX-5 just makes everything else around at the time look quaint or convoluted. Take the Z1 and it’s stupid heavy gimmicky doors!
@@TwinCam I have to agree with the heavy gimmicky Z1 doors, when I was in Germany I was given a ride in one near Heidelberg, it was OK I guess. I think it was one of the earlier 'consumer' sports cars that had a sort of ground effect rear diffuser fitted. Adding the extra weight, cost and complexity with the drop down doors does seem OTT though.
I've owned three Miatas. Two '97s and a 2000. Followed by a '74 MGB and now a '77 MGB. I love the '77 B the best. Not as quick as the Miata, but almost and much more roomy and much more stylish. All said, both are brilliant cars and not a bad angle on either one.
Funny we've had a few Eunos but like you I'm currently readying an '79 mgb (gt) as I need more room and prefer the Italian styling and the glamour thats missing from 90s Japanese cars by comparison. Timer will tell whether the B can deliver enough reliability but I can forgive it the odd failure
Should have got a Midget, or a Sprite and then tuned the engine or swapped the engine and transmission for something a bit more modern.
@@koitorob midgets and sprites are great cars but I needed the legroom offered by an mgb
I bought a 69 Spitfire in 1970 when I was 18. Loved that little car!
Now have a 2001 Mx5 Miata. Just as much fun with twice the power and reliability. Driving it feels like I'm 18 again!
Fine video!
Great video Ed, I have a 92 Eunos Roadster, owned it for 11 years, it's totally rust free and reliable,has never failed an MOT and is the most fun car I've owned and that's including my BGT and XR3i . Excellent little cars! 👍
Thanks Tony 🙂
This video is such a beautiful love letter to this car. I love the MX-5 and I can't wait to buy one soon (although it'll probably be the NB because NA are pretty rare here)
Thanks mate 🙂
Wonderful video history of the NA MX-5 ... drove my '92 NA Sunburst Yellow off the showroom floor, put hardtop on it, and still going strong. "Love my Roadster" ... oh, should mention it is one of the approximately 50 automatics!!! That's right ... still in love!!! Merci for a terrific video ... Zoom Zoom!!! 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
We are the proud owners of two NA's, enjoyed the video.
Thanks mate :)
Bought mine eight years ago for the princely sum of £800, and it has been faultless in all that time. It's always been a 2nd car, and is still rust free and drives like new. What more could you ask for? Only a bit more grunt maybe, and even that's still an option today by bolting on a turbo. Might add perhaps £5k to the cost, but for what you end up with, super car looks and super car performance for virtually no money - unbeatable.
Best and most thorough MX-5 video ever! Brilliant work, as usual.
Thanks mate 🙂
Ed, A great post. The Lotus Elan remains the most beautiful car of all time imho. When photos of this were leaked, I couldn’t believe how brilliant it looked. Fast forward and I saw my first one driving along Mulholland Drive. It was white and looked even better than the Elan in the California sun. I had one of the very first ones in the UK. I swapped my 944 for it. It was one of these cars that just couldn’t be improved. One day perhaps I’ll own another.
Thanks Philip 🙂
When I was working in So Cal , I met the guy who bought the Lotus Elan that they used to "copy " for the Miata , he still was working at The development shop in So Cal , he too like me was English . I just found my friend a 93 Miata with 34,000 miles in amazing condition , red with tan interior & top , the NA really is a great , proper sports car.
this video needs more views
Thanks mate :)
Well-researched as always and presented beautifully. I didn't know the steering wheel story. Indeed, Mazda really did their homework on the Miata (as I am used to calling it). A perfectly executed homage to the Brit sports car from years earlier, with Japanese attention to detail.
Thanks mate :)
Great video and spot on. I first saw a silver one in 1989 and knew I had to have one. In 1995 I got my first one, Montego Blue. Every review I read for a decade raved about how Mazda perfected the troublesome British roadster and they were right...
Great video, Ed. Mazda got it, as you said, spot on with Miata. I'm 6'3" and behind the wheel of the NA, it feels like they sat me down and built the car around me. The fit is perfect. The next generation was a serious downgrade, although I will never know how they drive. I don't fit! Same with the Honda S2000. I got stuck trying to get in one in the dealership showroom. Much more and it would have taken the fire brigade and the jaws of life to get me out!
I love balanced cars, and that is where the NA Miata shines. It has the same weight distribution as my old Volvo 240. With two of similar weight in the car, the weight distribution is almost exactly 25% on each corner. Hard to argue with perfection.
Thanks as always Michael 🙂
Plus it's not my opinion and is an annoying and offensive view, but I hear all the time ''its a girls car'' I disagree.
PS I've owned two Mazdas a 323F and an RX8. Both great cars. The 323F still looks great to me. The RX8 was possibly my favourite car ever.
The RX-8, as well as the original RX-7, are exceptional Mazda Rotary sports cars.
I've owned an NA and NC Miata and they were wonderful cars, nothing else like them
That was a great video review, thanks. I hope someone in the media is watching how Jeremy C does not have to be the mould which all automotive journalists have to adopt. Would love to see an on-road review to see and hear the car in it’s element.
I own a 94 and in a way I'm surprised the Miata even made it to production.
Mazda made the RX7 at the time, British roadsters had the formula, the fox body Mustang (I own a 91) could be had with a manual in coupe, hatch and convertible configurations and the MR2 nailed the baby Ferrari mid engine RWD layout/look. The Mercury Capri and eventually the Ford Probe, which was originally pitched to replace the Mustang, completed the FWD front engine idea, and despite the niche market it sold like hotcakes and thank goodness Mazda did their market research and continues to produce the Miata.
Love my NA Roadster, the best value for money car you can buy. RWD fun. Going up in value now, worth buying one now.
Shame the UK spec cars are so poorly specced in comparison to other markets but Eunos Roadsters are extremely common and worth buying.
Another great video! Really interesting history behind this car, especially the Lotus connection -- I had no idea. They're immensely popular where I am in Quebec, despite having 5+ months of winter.
Thanks Michael 🙂
Love the MX-5. Never actually owned one myself (yet) but my Mum had a 2008 NC from new for a few years and I always enjoyed getting the keys to it...when I was allowed.
Well written and presented documentary. Thank you.
Thanks mate :)
Great job with this video! Very thoughtful analysis well done!
Thanks Ethan :)
Been driving MX5s for over twenty years and love them and wouldn't drive anything else affordable. Have had NAs, NBs and now have a NC. Each different in their own ways but all fantastic smiles per mile.
we have a red 97 and the top never goes up. I added a roll bar and drilled and slotted brakes and that's it ! we run ethanol free gas and it loves it. have about 110k miles and still looks brand new 😁
Fabulous presentation.
Thanks mate 🙂
I own a 1999 MX-5 NB 1.6 and it is such a joyful little car. I personally prefer and love the styling of the NB, it is my first car and I always caught myself going into the garage... just to look at the car.
Thank you for a fantastic History of this Beatiful Sportscar, and the best and interesting story I have evver heard !!!! This is the most Beautiful 2-seats Sportscar in the world, and you have not to be a Millionar to buy it ether !!!! Thank you, from a Sportcar Fan in Norway !!!!!!!!
Thanks Svein :)
Brilliantly presented and very educational! Well done again young man! 😊👍✅
Thanks Phil 🙂
I owned a Mk1 MK5... and loved it.
It did rust though.
Superb video, well done. I will always regard our Eunos Roadster as the best car we ever owned.
Thanks Scott :)
Another brilliant video. As always. I've always been a bit "meh" about the MX-5. Maybe I need to think again.
If you've never driven a well sorted one, you don't know what you're missing. I had one for 8 years and absolutely loved it. It doesn't need any extra power, just enjoy driving it enthusiastically. My favourite moments were in winter on a fine day, with the heater on, roof down, and everyone else looking at me like I'm an idiot, but wondering why I was grinning so much.
@@anthonypetty9288 Sounds like a good idea to me. I'll have to do that sometime real soon.
I've owned two NA's (still have the second). And somewhere I have a picture of my current '90 Miata parked alongside an original Lotus Elan. You can definitely see the influence with the two cars side by side.
I also have a Mazda 2 that I bought in 2019.... for the Winter months......!!!!
As always beautifully narrated. Like you I'm a big fan of the MX5 and the MR2 despite sadly having never owned either.
I did sit in a MK1 Mx5 once fir the full scale arcade version of Ridge Racer in the 90s.
Thanks Mark 🙂
Great video, the style reminds me of Top Gear in the '90s - great editing and script! Honestly, this video makes me miss my ND, I have it for 2 years but had to sell in May. Since then I have test driven soo many cars worth double or triple the price, the car holds it's own against them all! Cheers - I have subscribed.
Thanks mate, that's very kind of you :)
Spinning Dorito LMFAO!!!
Another great video Ed and so well presented very enjoyable. I remember them launching and driving one great car
Thanks Michael :)
Ed, top class program again, thoroughly entertaining and informative on a brilliant little sports car....I need to get one of these as well!
Thanks George 🙂
I use to laugh at these until i bought one and made $6000 profit on it now its true love and they run and handle great with awesome gas mileage.
Another great video, Ed. Worth mentioning the car's appeal to women. Japanese car companies were realising that at the time and a stylish design that was different to typical laddish cars and also practical was the ticket. No accident that so many are automatics
Thanks Tom 🙂
Are you sure there are that many autos? I’ve certainly never seen an auto in real life, and AutoTrader only lists 30 autos to the 1500 manuals!
Love these !
Brilliant video again Ed. Well done.
Thanks Paul 🙂
Excellent video!! Really enjoyed that 😁
Thanks George 🙂
By the time the Miata came out, I’d had 5 different British roadsters: 3 Midgets, an E-Type, and an MGB. I liked the B best of all. The E occasionally scared me. Maybe there is an MX5 in my future. Now that there are cars in every price range.
Another great video! Keep them coming!
Thanks mate 🙂
Another excellent video Ed
Thanks Stephen 🙂
I had a 92K Mazda 626 2.0 in red. I liked the MX5 but the MX6 was my favourite.
Didn't the engineers of the mx-5 have tapes of how an MG gearbox sounded so that they could copy the sound
I believe they bought a Triumph Spitfire as well as the Elan to try and capture the noise, but I couldn’t find any hard evidence of it.
Yep, you're probably right. It certainly defined the term "sports car" in period. What the VW Golf is to the hatchback, the MX-5 is to the sports car.. Being a member of the generation that grew up in the sixties and could buy a car in the seventies, I would venture that the MG Midget could hold a claim to the title too. Yes, yes, I know, old bloke talking crap, but listen just for a second.
Small, very simple, very light, soft top, cheap, and the most fun you could have on four wheels. If the concept hadn't been already proven in the fifties and sixties, would anyone have bothered in the eighties? Another cracking video Ed. Thanks.
Thanks mate 🙂
Best car ever and I've driven a lot in my years. :)
Good video Ed .iam the proud owner of a 90 Greg eunos in the same colour as the 1 u reviewed.. looking forward to the next video . Thanks
Thanks Tommy 🙂
I own and MX-5 and I love it. This video... "The Mazda MX-5 is the Most Important Sports Car of All Time" 11mins in and you still haven't said why, you have just regurgitated history we already know.
I’m not sure whether you’re aware, but the video isn’t 11 minutes long.
@@TwinCam yeah…11 mins in, how much more of my time do you think I should waste hoping for a point?
You chose to click on the video. You know its length. I don't make videos so that people with microscopic attention spans can feel affirmed in their conceptions.
@@TwinCam Feel better about yourself now?
Fantastic program. Every word is true. In the 80's there was no proper simple cheap affordable reliable little sportscar for us kids. Shame on Britain's politics and industry, a huge gap opened. Mazda listened and took the leap. Incredible legend and the best of all was that it set a standard for all the other marques that wanted to share in a slice of the cake. My kids were spoiled as they could benefit growing up with the awesome 90's fun cars from BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi that was the direct result of this little gem. Unfortunately although I owned a 323, I never had the Miata as when I was in the market, I couldn't find a nice one for decent money.
Thanks Alexander 🙂
Now, since the neglected ones have rotted away, the fastest appreciating classic car around.
They’re definitely up there!
I've had many cars since selling my Red G Reg Eunos with detach Hardtop
if I had kept it I would Be Rich no Car gave me more Fun with MX5 Owner Club .
the Man who bought it in 2000 said it not for me I'm Going to lock it up for my Young Son .
what a First Car!
Owned an NA 1.8 during my track days. I had been Subaru and turbo up til then. They always say it is better to drive a slow car fast and with the Miata, that is the case. Too slow for me actually, lol. So I sold it. I shouldn't have. Couple years ago my Father in law asked me about one that he liked and I persuaded him to buy it. 1989 NA 1.6 with 30,000 miles on it. All original. Well, that car is in my name too as it is intended for my Son when he gets older. Sorry for him, but my Son will not be getting that car, lol.
Needs driving shots. Very nice video.
If only it was so easy!
Another great video. The MX-5 was/is the true successor to all the little Italian and UK forebears from AH, MG, Triumph (or BL) and Lotus to Fiat (and its brands) before its launch.Mazda are the best Japanese designers, always "a bit different" or as you say something special. I plan to buy an MG TF 160 next summer though.
Sorry pal, you can't begin to compare an MX5 to an Elise
Thanks David 🙂
When does he compare an MX-5 to an Elise in his comment?
Nice review, and yes, I too have a lot of respect for these. But you're dead right about tall drivers. At 6'4", my view from the drivers seat is of the metalwork atop the windscreen.
Thanks Peter :)
I would only argue that it was as you say a re-invention and therefore loses to the archetypal classic like the Austin 7 sports.
It is wonderful and can now only be bettered by a cut down electric sports if at all with complexities and weight built in every modern car.
@5:15 Looking at the cars name..DYK!
From the very beginning, there were combinations of letters that were banned. For example, you couldn't have ARS, BUM, SEX, SOD, JEW, GOD, and the like, while in Northern Ireland KIL and PIG were among those banned.
Unfortunately, some cars in London were registered with DUW at first, until someone pointed out that was the Welsh word for God.
@@MakerfieldConsort 😺👍
@@MakerfieldConsort I had a Mini with NKA...S We called it Knickers. Close as I got to naughty number plate.
While you make a good argument; I would think you're being a little rough. It was more of a "redefinition" than a "re-invention" of a classic sports car.
British roadsters, as 'classic sports cars', were also defined by leaks and unreliability. The experience was understood to be enjoyable, but fraught with compromises.
Mazda took all that and produced a problem-free vision that reduced compromise as much as possible, and this became a new standard.
@@Taurencowpew Yes, I agree I love em. Though you too are being a little rough on (some) British sports cars. Most were so simple hardly anything could go wrong. Take the Spitfire as example, after popping the bonnet, it would allow you to sit on a wheel with access to everything and they were very reliable anyway. I think we forget and are thinking of them after they were 20 years old already. I had a few Triumphs and had no issues ever after sorting out neglected parts.
Have a NA I've had for 15 years, 400k kms on the clock and runs perfectly, not slow if you know how to drive one, I'm always out cornering most cars on track days and on the b roads almost nothing keeps up on the twisties .....
I have had a NB ,bought second hand with less than 20k.22yrs later cannot bare to let it go, it just to much fun to drive,absolute basic compared to the high tech cars available today,drop the roof in 2seconds,replace it in two seconds. We have a road in Vic au Great ocean road,you have and old MX you can take new cars into corner,and watch them struggle.
I know the feeling! Just drove my rarely driven ‘98 NB back from the Coromandel, NZ. Makes you love driving again.
I had a mk2,God I would sell body parts to have it back...
The moon landing in 1969,and in 1989 Speakers on the head rest is ground breaking .I think not
What a ridiculous comment 🤣
@@TwinCam He's too high...
Nicely done, nicely done. Surprised, with the level of detail you went into, no mention of the 'Toric' door curves. Convex top to bottom, Concave front to back. It gives a subtle dynamic when moving around the car, as the reflections on the door move in the opposite direction to the fenders. Donor car gets a score of Eleven out of Ten. All stock, no silly intake, silly spoiler, silly wheels, silly white instruments, silly plastic pedal-car pedals, just as it came from the factory, except for the lowering of the suspension ride height. Hopefully that was done using adjustable coil-overs and not with the dread cut springs.
Thanks mate.
Miata is always the answer
This 👆
Is THIS your own new car, Ed.... joining Mervyn in the stable?
No.
That’ll be making its debut in the next couple of weeks.
A great little sports car indeed is the Mazda MX-5. But I have to add that it owes a great deal of its success to the much earlier 30 yrs production run of the Alfa Romeo Spider that ended in the early 1990's when Fiat took control of Alfa & discontinued the production run.
. Mazda continued on supplying the sports car convertible market with its well designed & modern MX-5.
Another video up to your usual, impeccable standards... Thanks!
I would say that, by 1976, sports cars in the US were in decline & a car guy like Bob Hall would be nostalgic for the good old days of the 50's-60's. Aging designs (like the MGB), government safety & emissions regulations & changing driving patterns made the sports cars of the time
less & less appealing.
Thanks Anthony 🙂
I remember an advert in a car mag for a TR7 where they didn't even show the car, probably because it was so ugly, and then a few years later seeing a MX5 in a car park across from a pub that I was drinking at. It looked like it was smiling and I was gobsmacked.
The English car industry really destroyed itself and the Japanese said thank you very much.
I loved my MX5 MK1 in British Racing Green with tan leather and regret selling it but now prices are so high for any decent example that I can not justify buying one.
The original miata is still the answer!
It also killed off the other Ford Project built in Australia. The Ford Mercury Capri ...I think. It had teething problems but eventually got it right but as Ford had a stake in Mazda it was never going to take off. Being FWD and only sold in America and Oceania it faded away. In the 1980's we had a LHD one kept in the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.
I have a NC Maxda MX5, but I much prefer my British Leyland cars. Cars from the Gods!
Great car I’ve had 3 of them, the shape copied from the Lotus elan.
I have a 96 na owned from new. One of several cars that I have held on to (hoarded says the wife) instead of trading in even though it was/is worth very little now. Everything is original (including the now rusty arches & sills). Should I sympathetically restore it and keep the 1.8 engine (75k) or restomod and insert Jag 3.0 V6...?
They’re worth quite a bit now, compared to 5 years ago!
I’d love a V6 MX-5, so I’d do that, but keeping the power output relatively low 😉
My 2011 Sports Black in red is sitting snuggled under a cover in the garage, only 22k on the clock and sorned... 😍
My 2012 has 193k (km) and is driven every day. Drives like new.
@@johnnypetro9314 somewhere along the line mine fellow into precious.... I only use it on dry days, its nuts I know, I'm well aware of the wasted time but when I sit on her leather seats and give her a hot soapy shower we both know it's right 😜
I lik your videos very much mate But by far the most important sports cars of AL:L times IS THE BRILLIANT LOTUS ELAN
The Lotus Elan was fantastic. I think, the best British sports car, but it is not the most important.
The Elan was a niche product that, while very good, made limited impact overall in a market full of sports cars.
The MX-5 came about at a time when there were very few sports cars. It single-handedly jump started the segment, becoming in the process the most popular sports car of all time, and for good reason. Additionally, it lays claim to an enormous aftermarket community that other sports cars could only dream of.
This, coupled to its direct lineage covering over thirty years and four generations, makes it, for me, the only contender for the most important sports car of all time.
@@TwinCam It's hard to argue otherwise I have to admit, particularly as it's still around, hasn't been overdeveloped into another class, and retains it's original design criteria. A definitive affordable sports car.
You're not wrong. Brilliant and very influential (Maclaren design team also studied the Elan for the F1!)
I think the point still stands however. Without the MX-5, sports cars - especially convertibles - would represent a tiny fraction of the market. Companies don't often gamble investing in what would be considered a small 'enthusiast' segment. I think we should all consider ourselves lucky Mazda did.
@@TwinCam Yes, the original Lotus Elan was the car you admired and wanted but couldn't afford or find. Did it also need careful maintenance? The MX5 was the car you wanted, could afford (after a couple of years), there were plenty around, great driving feel, and was reliable unlike traditional sports cars. Deservedly successful. Great to hear the explanations of the careful design that led to that achievement.
@@iankemp1131 yes Ian I always wanted a lotus Elan when I was in my early 20s. I'm in the UK , 70 years old now and finally have a 4 year old MX5 ND 1.5 on my drive. I guess it's the closest I could get for reliable motoring entertainment these days. 😁
The front suspension on the one in your video looks collapsed…
It’s not collapsed, Thomas…
@@TwinCam No, I’m sure it’s not. Lowered though?
I was thinking the same - I have a 1.6 NA (1993) and this one is definitely ‘low’ compared to mine which is totally stock
@@OldCarsNewVan It sometimes looks a little odd to lower a car on its standard wheels. These front wheels somehow look a little too inboard and the arch gaps look too small. Also looks lower at the front than at the back, exacerbating the sense that there’s something unusual about it.
It’s lower because it’s been lowered, and the front looks lower because one corner is on an incline.
Driving a skittle is ok, watching them race in groups is hilarious, one coughs they all leave the track in multicolored splendor like controlled chaos, it's underpowered, not very comfortable & certainly not the Most Important Sports Car of all Time, a reservation which is owned by the the original Datsun's with the1969 -1973 240Z, 1969-70, 2000 Roadster XXX that would quite literally eat the Mazda in all iterations. The cars are well built but they aren't performance minded even remotely, the 5.0 repowered cars are death traps, unlike the 240 Scarabs of the early 70's. They are the perfect companion to a Class A Motorcoach though & easy on the eyes there is that.
Being faster than the MX-5 isn’t important.
A new MX-5 would eat the Datsun, for example.
What would make the Datsun the most important of all time?
The Mazda was not the most important sports car of all time. Look at Porsche way back in the 60's. The 356 was the leader.
Why was the 356 the most important?
@@TwinCam He can't tell you...
A mass-market copy of a Lotus Elan is NOT the most important anything...
First of all, that’s a mere stylistic matter, and more importantly, why?
@@TwinCam LOL, he's bitter...
Ah yes, the Mazda, hairdresser 5.
Nothing wrong with being a hairdresser.
Yawn. Insecure blokes from the 90s want their joke back 🥱
@@TwinCam, it’s in the glove box of that toy car, with their purse 👛.
Have you ever driven one?
Sorry, let’s make that insecure blokes of today then 🤣🤣
Sr20 swap with turbo or 1.5jz boosted and get her sideways 🤔
If you don't like the MX-5, you must have something wrong with you
... or be missing the point. The Miata is a splendid car!
Awww! When the headlights came up and down, it was almost as if she was fluttering her eyes. (At Melvin, presumably.)
I was 20 in 1989 and I remember when these cars were launched that everyone went crazy over them. The pop up headlights were the main 'wow' factor.
The Mark 1 in my opinion has never been bettered in looks.
Another great video Ed. Passionate and informative.
Same here I was 30 in '89 .got a 1 8 ,1997 Harvard , owned for past 9 years .
Thanks Phillip 🙂
😀Love some appreciation! I have two, a 1.6 and a 1.8. Such a nice little pure sportster, without a single glaring issue.
It isn't that practical or powerful; but I've never experienced anything that comes close to being as fun or enjoyable on the road.
I'm newer to Miatas and currently own a 94 1.8 B package. How do your cars compare? I imagine the most "pure" Miata experience would be a 1.6 base with no power steering or a/c to get as close the the original simple philosophy as possible
Both are great in their own simple ways. The NA6 is lighter, and demands the engine be used. The NA8 is a bit more solid and competent, but not by a lot. Both will reward a driver with skills, if they try to drive skillfully. Both will happily cruise around topless without being pretentious, which is more amazing than you think, it can even be a friendly experience!
I got to speak to the design team a number of years ago as my then girlfriend was heavily involved with MX-5s here in the US. She was in charge of building the very 1st Spec Miata race car, SM1 which is owned by a friend in Austin, TX. But what was interesting was a picture album Mr Y showed me: a white MX-5 prototype, a white Elan, and a white Triumph Spitfire 1500. They told me they wanted the looks and performance of an Elan with the feel of a Spitfire. So the top 3 designers would take the 3 cars, do their test loop in CA, then swap cars at the end of each loop then go compare notes. I found NA MX-5s as well as subsequent models are a bit lacking in legroom for my 6 ft frame (with a 34 inch inseam), whereas my Triumph Spitfire 1500, TR4, TR8 and GT6 have much more legroom. Though some other things they don't do as well as the MX-5.