1991 Mazda Miata Special Edition
Throughout the history of the automobile, there have been a handful of cars from each era that have played a significant role in defining the modern culture from each decade. Many of the cars that find themselves on these representative lists are everything from sports cars, race cars, to the everyday commuter that was able to save the working class, and win over their hearts, too. It is with this idea that we’d like to introduce the First Generation (NA) Mazda Miata; a car that became the world’s best-selling sports car, and icon of the 1990s.
The 1980s had brought a prosperous time for many; car manufacturers were developing new technology, and as such, adding luxurious features like digital dashboards, electronically adaptable suspension, and electronically-powered creature comforts everywhere. The idea of a sports car in the 1980s versus a sports car in the 1960s and 70s was far more “grand tourer” like; with added weight, creature comforts, and stricter emissions regulations dampening power output. While all other manufacturers were caught in the culture of “adding” throughout the 1980s, Mazda was considering the exact opposite. Inspired by the post-war era British sports cars, the Mazda Miata (MX-5) was designed to be a simplistic, lightweight roadster after the demise of cars such as the MG B and Triumph Spitfire. The departure of the “less is more” roadsters created an opening in the market which no manufacturer was capitalizing on in this era; they were all too caught up in producing new technology to realize car enthusiasts needed a simplistic, balanced, well-handling roadster to experience. The Miata was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 1989, and the rest, is history.
The 1991 MX-5 Miata Special Edition was the first-ever limited edition Miata; examples were finished in British Racing Green with a tan leather interior, and a wood Nardi shift knob and handbrake lever. Factory Special Edition equipment includes a viscous limited slip differential, 14-inch alloy wheels, power windows, air conditioning, a cassette deck and CD player, and headrest speakers. Featuring just two owners from new, this one-of-3,997 Special Edition Miata’s has just come out of 28-year ownership, and as such, comes well maintained and in turn key condition, ready for this season’s top-down weather immediately! Service records starting in 1995 document the original 18,000 miles and routine services. Most recent services in 2023 include fresh tires, a radio rebuild, and an oil change. The timing belt was changed in 2020. A factory hard top is also included; allowing you to Zoom Zoom in any weather or season.
