Mazda MX5, Mazda Miata, Eunos Roadster

[Roger Dowding]

Thanks Milan, good to see them in action

[Roger Dowding]

It had been quiet for UN7284, the 1991 V Spec Mazda MX5 / Eunos Raodster - ex Japan in 1996 - around the same time that Geebeez car was registered - his is a 1989 model.

UN7284, has been off the road as warrantless for 12 months, Registration put on hold in June 2021 when the last WoF expired for six months and
then another Six Months ;.

In a burst of energy, well two bursts involving trips to Auckland;
#1, I took the car for a warrant in 23 May 2022 and it failed.
Leaking Brake Master Cylinder, blown headlight, for the FAIL.
Also comments, water leak at back of engine - which I knew about - and rear sway bar is making noises
- The rear sway bar was rebushed a couple of years ago - and has only done less than 200km since.
#2, Car went back to " Birkenhead Car Services " on 7th June to get the warrant repairs done, Master Cylinder and Headlight, and the Mechanic /Owner had a look and tested the water system - the hose is at the back of the engine and hidden under the manifolding / injection system - so hard to get at.
Warrant passed 13th June and Car now Registered again.
#3, Car going back to the mechanic on Monday for the water leak and a cam cover gasket as is losing a bit of oil.
Will discuss the sway bar bushes - as should be all OK, unless poorly repaired.

Three trips to Auckland in the space of 6 weeks.

Next jobs will be Repair to passenger side electric window and check the drivers as is slow, and later on repair to the drivers seat and a general tidy up of the bodywork - It is showing the " patina of age " and the results of a poorpaint job in 1999 - plus sitting outside for a few years.
A couple of recent short drives has the car going well, and looking at the market prices are rising for the early cars, especially in the South Island, and Southern North Island.

Will be keeping it and it is now in company of another two letter one number model - an MG3,
a 2021 build, 2022 Registered new car.


2019 photo of the car at Caffeine and Classics.


2022 photo of the New car at home

A guy has these plates - looks like brand new - they would go great on an MG MG3 -6..
Make the car look a bit Retro /Classic too .. or maybe put them on the MX5 -



Very much into " Number Plates " as shown on the " Vintage Car " thread

[Roger Dowding]

Post #142
" Car going back to the mechanic on Monday for the water leak and a cam cover gasket as is losing a bit of oil.
Will discuss the sway bar bushes - as should be all OK, unless poorly repaired. "


Car now repaired - Water leak was a small T piece, and the sway bar bushes just needed lubricating, I understand.
Just need to go through the invoice. Pocket a bit lighter, but bill was fair.

Next work is largely cosmetic, although electric windows need attention again.
Then - repairs to seat leather and the soft top edge,then the top can be re-installed.

In company with the three Digit named Car the Daily Driver !!.




MX5 Ododmeter showing 227596 when the warrant was issued on 13th June 2022. so done 1386 Km in 5 years.

[Roger Dowding]

In essence, a Lotus Elan with Japanese reliability: How the Mazda Miata NA beat the odds to resurrect the fun British roadster
By Daniel Strohl on Jul 17th, 2022 at 8:00 am

an article on Hemmings Motor News out today USA time - yesterday our time;

" The Mazda Miata—a.k.a. MX-5, a.k.a. Eunos Roadster—is no typical car compared to everything else on the road, and the inception of the first-generation Miata, the NA, is no typical origin story, so it makes sense that Graham Borrajo would tell that story in an atypical storyboard manner. And given the twists and turns that origin story took, the storyboard format—punctuated by renderings and photos of development mules—helps keep the tale straight and entertaining without sacrificing any part of the story. And for a little more fun, Borrajo took the time to enumerate every special edition, concept, and other unique take by Mazda on the Miata during its first decade. "

Go to " www.hemmings.com " to find the story - you may need to sign in but it is free and you can get a daily news feed on all sort of Automobile information.

Mazda Japan now provide full parts for the rebuild of the First series NA model MX5, and a rebuild service within Japan.
Article from 2017;

[Roger Dowding]

Big decision made - I am selling the MX5 / Eunos Roadster - UN7284 after 27 years of ownership.
The car is a 1991 model - V- Special which was first Registered in New Zealand on 23rd September 1996. with 35,920 km on the odometer.
It has been in my ownership since then and now done 227,000 km.

In need of new Clutch Hydraulics and a few other faults.
Motor runs and drove well until December 2022.

If any one on TRS is interested, please PM me or comment here !!.
Full details available and car has been regularly serviced.

Has Hardtop and Soft-top and two sets of wheels
15 inch Pro-drive on the car
Full set of 14 inch " Daisy " wheels with old tyres.

A few of the photos - from 2017 to 2020.


a Ray Green photo.

[Roger Dowding]

Advertised the car before last weekend and had two viewings, one on Saturday, interested but wanted to think about it.
A second person wanted to see it Wednesday - contacted on Sunday then rang me mid afternoon to see if could be viewed now.
at 4.30 the Buyer had a good look over the car and by 5;00 had arranged a deposit - Sold, just had to wait to collect it as needed a Tow Truck or a trailer.

This is how it left;
Hope to see it again as the buyer has offered for me to have a drive once fully roadworthy, mobile and tidied up.







My Ninth Sports Car - am now " sportscarless " after 49 and half years. well since about March 1974.

Last drove it seriously 19 years ago - on track at Pukekohe with the MX5 Club March 2004

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