Mazda Wants to Keep Vintage MX-5s Baby Fresh With Restoration Parts
In 2017, Mazda announced a restoration program for the first-generation MX-5 Miata in Japan. Those NA years were good ones — sales were strong and customers were happy. But the cars had developed a reputation for being phenomenal project vehicles and an affordable way to get into racing. Many entered into a hard and exciting life as the years rolled on.
Realizing the MX-5 is equally beloved and hardworking in the United States, Mazda has decided to expand the program for North America. On Monday, the company announced that its restoration parts catalog is now 1,100 items deep and ready to help restore the luster of NA Miatas around the world.
“There is a pure feeling of joy when it comes to driving a Miata, of any generation,” said Masahiro Moro, CEO of Mazda North American Operations, in a statement. “Our unique Jinba-Ittai — ‘horse and rider as one’ — engineering philosophy has allowed for the engaging and exhilarating driving dynamic that has remained constant over the years, helping make the Miata an important vehicle for the brand and our fans. By helping prolong the life of MX-5 Miata NA models, Mazda is committed to supporting the roadster culture and looks forward to seeing these historic vehicles on the road — and on the track — for years to come.”
Any backward-looking support from an automaker is to be applauded but Mazda really outdid itself here. It even met with several Miata-focused shops and auto clubs to get help choosing the parts that it should prioritizing. The entire list is extensive, offering just about everything you might want replaced on your worn MX-5.
Ironically, the best bits are probably those difficult-to-find OEM replacement parts — little things like gaskets. But you can also find complete ragtop assemblies, window rollers, doors pulls, brakes, and pretty much anything else that’s taken too much abuse over the years.
Hole in the door? Mazda’s got you. Enkei is even reproducing a set of aluminum wheels that look like the originals but use more modern manufacturing methods it claims have made them lighter and more durable.
If you’re in possession (or hope to be) of a vintage MX-5 that might need a little work, Mazda has provided a comprehensive, 42-page list of the new/old parts — available as a PDF here. The company recommends speaking with your local dealership if you’re ready to take the next step.
[Image: Mazda]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Would love to have a cute little 'toy' car to drive around... the economy would certainly be better than my truck for daily driving but the small cockpit size means a tall person (like my wife) would be cramped in the passenger seat and far too tight for her to drive. For me, the 'toy' is going to have to be taller and a bit longer. Problem is, there are far too few intermediate-sized 'toys' on the market.
Should I start looking for well-used car and buy it cheap?