Mazda made no secret that it drew heavily on the styling and spirit of classic British sports cars when developing the original MX-5 Miata. Motoring writers drew styling comparisons with the Lotus Elan, and there were engineering touches below the surface to enhance that impression. The First Generation received significant changes in 1994, and these are the cars that enthusiasts most highly covet. Our feature Miata is one of those vehicles, and its appeal is increased by the original owner’s decision to order it in the most desirable paint shade offered that year. It is a tidy and solid turnkey classic that needs a new home. Therefore, the current owner has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

The current owner didn’t encounter this Miata by accident, but it came into his possession after an exhaustive two-year search. He purchased the car in 2022 for his daughter as a replacement for a 1990 model she had driven in college, locating the Mazda in the dry climes of Nevada. Changed circumstances mean this classic needs a new home. Mazda introduced Laguna Blue to the MX-5 color palette in 1994, and its decision to only offer it for two years makes it one of the most desirable and highly-sought colors. That is the shade gracing this car’s flanks, and its overall appearance is positive. There is some slight deterioration on the hood, but the current owner says that the winning bidder could opt for preservation over a repaint of the offending panel. The car has been garage-kept throughout its life, helping to explain why this is the only paint issue. Its history makes the total lack of rust and the excellent state of the soft-top unsurprising. The plastic and trim look perfect, as does the glass. The MX-5 rolls on aftermarket wheels that add a purposeful touch to its appearance.

Mazda’s most significant change to the Miata in 1994 was the introduction of a larger engine. The capacity of the fuel-injected twin-cam four rose to 1.8-liters, pushing power and torque from 105hp and 100 ft/lbs to 128hp and 110 ft/lbs. The change was instantly felt under the right foot because five-speed examples like this Miata slashed the ¼-mile ET from 17.7 seconds to 16.6 seconds. Potential buyers should consider this MX-5 a turnkey proposition because it runs and drives perfectly. The owner uses the car about once a month, performing maintenance tasks like changing the oil and ensuring the tires are at the correct pressure. He believes the tires have another 25,000 – 30,000 miles left on them, meaning the winning bidder will need to spend nothing on this classic beyond the purchase price.

This little Mazda’s interior is tidy for a vehicle of this vintage, with no significant problems or issues. The leather on the outer edge of the driver’s seat is slightly worn, but a specialist should be able to bring this back without splashing the cash on replacement covers. Otherwise, this interior has no needs or shortcomings. There are no signs of crumbling plastic, and the carpet is stain-free. The winning bidder will drive away in a classic featuring a driver’s airbag, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and a high-end CD stereo.

It often takes years for a car to achieve legendary status, but Mazda hit the mark perfectly with the MX-5 Miata. So successful was it that it seemed many organizations were creating awards exclusively for the little drop-top. These cars offer the style and charisma of a classic British sports car but with typical Mazda bulletproof engineering and reliability. There are faster cars on the planet, but few combine an engaging driving experience with practicality, making the MX-5 Miata an effective daily driver. If that sounds like a winning combination, maybe you should join the bidding party on this beauty.

• Location: East Point, Georgia
• Mileage:  115,641 Miles Shown
• Engine: 1.8-Liter Four-Cylinder
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• VIN: JM1NA3535R0507125
• Title Status: Clean

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