Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Editon

There’s a reason the Mazda Miata has evolved into the phenomenon that it is over the past 25 years.  As the production of iconic two-seat roadsters waned, with the last remaining vestiges of the car fading from existence in the 1980s, a hole in the market formed. In 1990, Mazda answered that call with the MX-5, a technologically modern care inspired by the British and Italian roadster of the 1960s. Fast forward to today; Mazda is celebrating the Miata’s anniversary with the release of 100 special edition MX-5s. So what better time to delve into the rich history of the car than today?

There’s a common notion that in 1976, Bob Hall, a journalist at Motor Trend magazine met with Kenichi Yamamoto and Gai Arai, head of Research and Development at Mazda. When asked what kind of car Mazda should build in the future, Hall answered, an “inexpensive, small open two-seater roadster.”  While the validity of the conversation has been left up to debate, it is undeniable that Bob Hall did go on to work for Mazda just two years later in California where he was the product planner on the Miata development team.

In 1983, concept development for what would become the MX-5 was turned into a competition between the Mazda design teams based in Tokyo and California. The California team ended up winning with a full-scale clay model dubbed the Duo 101. The project received final approval in 1986 and was put on the market two years later with a price tag of $14,000 ($25,400 in 2011 adjusted for inflation). Popularity surrounding the car was so large that initial demand outstripped production. Mazda had successfully revived the dormant passion for roadsters all across the world and its roads.

Not wanting to mess with success, Mazda made minor changes to the 1991 rendition; however, that same year marked the inception of what has become a Miata trademark: the Special edition.  The first Miata Special Edition sported a British Racing Green coat, tan leather upholstery, air conditioning (something left out of the base trims to achieve perfect balance), and many more features only available to those who purchased one of the 4,000 cars.    

MX-5’s second generation (NB) began with the 1999 model.  For the most part, it was still the same vehicle drivers had come to respect and adore, the only notable changes were the headlamps; the first generation’s retractable ones no longer passed pedestrian safety tests and were replaced by fixed headlamps.

In 2005, production of the third generation (NC) started. According to Mazda, the new Miata shared no components with past models as it was now longer, wider, heavier, and roomier inside.

Fiat Group Automobiles and Mazda announced they will be working on Mazda and Alfa Romeo marques based on the MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture for the up-and-coming fourth generation (ND).  And here are some fun facts: in 2000, the Guinness Book of World Records declared the MX-5 the best-selling two-seat sports car in history. As of February 2011, more than 900,000 units have been sold.  


If you have any more questions about the history of the Mazda Miata or purchasing the car, give one of our representatives at Sansone Automall a call.  We’re always happy to help!