Got a spare $38k to spend on your car collection? Take a look at the 'Holy Grail' Mazda Miata that you probably never knew existed!
The words “Rare” and “Miata” rarely cross paths. The Mazda sportscar instead resides in numbers likely to give Count von Count a seizure. However, between the eye-watering production figures lurk various seldom-seen variants, and they don't come any rarer than this hardtop version - Mazda's Miata MX5 Roadster Coupé Type S.
Built during an extremely low production run, most enthusiasts remain unaware of the models existence. Even at the time, customers never knew that the 'Holy Grail' of hardtop specifications was an option. As such, for collectors, this is the ultimate Miata. Currently advertised on PistonHeads,, the rarity factor certinly brings a hefty premium – $38k!
Setting the coupe apart from its roadster heritage in styling and function, the hardtop stiffened the sports car’s chassis, improving driving dynamics to craft Mazda's ‘ultimate’ version of their MX-5 - if you can forgive the 22 extra pounds from the roof’s structure.
Only 179 of these special models rolled out the factory, and (unfortunately) only for the Japanese market at that, making it one of the rarest Mazdas ever made.
Mazda briefly offered the hardtop in four different trim levels for buyers. One with a 1.6-liter engine, and three others with the higher performing 1.8-liter engine, mated to six-speed manual transmission. Of the versions that came equipped with the 1.8-liter engine, there were only 63 Type S coupes produced. This is one such car, with 158-horsepower to push the small-statured car from the rear wheels.
Considering so few were made, and how secret their production run seemed to be, it would surely be a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase one of these special edition Miatas. First registered in 2004, this Mazda Miata MX5 Roadster Coupe Type S is up for grabs with a £30,000 ($38,700) asking price.
As advertised on PistonHeads, this prime example of rare automotive history underwent a recent restoration that included fresh red paint and some new parts inside and out; making is as close to new as possible.
All the work was carefully documented and a complete service history of the car is available. With only 30,000 original miles on the clock, the drivetrain is still just as strong as it was when it left the showroom.
