1996 Mazda MX-5 NA
“Weekend runabout”
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The story
Bought as a stopgap while the BMW was off the road. Never sold it — the cheapest fun per mile I've ever owned.
Three summers with the roof down and one winter of very sensible garage storage.
Driving the north coast of Devon at sunset with the hardtop off and no plan for dinner.
Fresh paint on the arches, otherwise leave it alone.
Timeline
- ServiceDec 2025 · 110,400 miTiming belt + water pump
Preventative, done at the same time as the cam seals.
- RepairJun 2025 · 106,200 miNew clutch
Original clutch finally gave up at 105k.
- MilestoneSep 2022 · 92,300 miJoined the garage
Bought from an enthusiast owner with a folder of receipts.
Maintenance history
Timing belt, water pump, cam seals, coolant
Clutch kit + flywheel resurface
Modifications
OEM-height Bilsteins, standard springs. Keeps it honest.
Period-correct look with modern rubber.
Gallery
Build progress, before/after and detail shots.
Condition report
- —Soft top crease at rear window
- —Minor lacquer wear, rear arch
Digital glovebox
Sharing
Registration N412 HGP · private, never shown publicly