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1989 Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata was patterned after the Lotus Elan of the 1960s. It was conceived in the United States at Mazda's design headquarters in California and built in Japan. It made its first debut at the February 1989 Chicago Auto Show where it was an immediate success. It drew thousands of onlookers eager to pay the $13,800 sticker price.

Powering the MX-5 Miata was a four-cylinder dual-overhead-cam engine offering 116 horsepower. It had a fully independent suspension with dual wishbones, coil springs, and anti-roll bars. At all four corners were disc brakes.

Standard equipment included a driver's side airbag and a folding manual top. For an additional $1,100, a removable hardtop could be purchased. Other options included a limited-slip differential, a compact-disk player, and an air conditioning system.

The Miata revitalized open-air driving and, at its low price, was available to a wide array of buyers.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: JM1NA3515L0151863

The Mazda Miata was introduced at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. It was, in a way, a spiritual successor to the British sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s, with its lightweight design and uncomplicated appearance.

The 1st Generation Miata, also known as the MX-5, had a monocoque unibody and a 1.6-liter straight four. There were pop-up headlights and a finger-light shifter. In 1989, it won 'Car of the Year' from Wheels Magazine and several 'Best Sports Car' accolades from the motoring press during its eight years of production.

This particular example has covered less than 7,000 miles from new. It is currently in the care of its original owner. It was given many factory options, including a supercharger kit.

by Dan Vaughan

With design inspiration from the Lotus Elan, the Mazda Miata is the world's best-selling sports car. With over 720,000 produced between 1989 and 2005, the production proves Mazda held its title consistently.

The history of the Miata is one of interest and success. Unveiled in 1989 as the 'Eunos Roadser', prior to the name change to the Miata, it was a designed collaboration between the USA and England. Created to be a basic roadster without unnecessary weight, it was an instant success, with over 23,000 sold by the end of its first year. With a starting price of $13,800, the Miata, despite its small design, made a sizeable impact in the success of Mazda's future.

The shell of the Miata is all steel with an aluminum bonnet. Weighing in at over 2,380 pounds, the Miata confirmed its small roadster appeal. The trusswork is uniquely called the 'Powerplant Frame', which connects the engine to the differential, creating a more firm and responsive feel. It's quick and responsive handling is helped due to the independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an anti-roll bar at the front. Optional paddle shifting was available with the six-speed automatic versions of the Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring models. With the power to the rear wheels, drivers thirst for corners even if they're beginners.

The Miata's appearance ranks among attractive qualities. Its cozy, subtle, curved design helped to propel sales to customers of all ages to a higher level. The bright color palette offered during production accented the appearance and still turns heads today, making onlookers yearn to get behind the wheel of this convertible on owners pine for the summer months.

A 'Special Touring Option Edition' was also offered, which included stainless steel scuff plates, Twilight Blue paint, and 15-inch Enkei wheels. The 'Club Spec' version was available with 16-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, but it also offered a limited amount of color options: Winning Blue Metallic, Marble White, and True Red.

The interior, though tight, beckoned stereo enthusiasts and those who revel in the appeal and stigma of leather. Optional passenger-side airbags and standard drivers–side airbags provided safety without drastically impacting the beauty of the interior.

With the introduction of the 'M Edition' came a wood shift knob and chrome wheels with Montego Blue paint. The option of a wooden parking brake handle was available in this edition, completing the look. Other editions such as the 'Touring Package' included power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, aluminum alloy wheels, and power windows. Also, the available 'Club Spec' model included a CD player with speed-sensitive sound, four speakers, black cloth-trimmed upholstery, power windows, locks, and mirrors and a black vinyl top.

Engines for the Miata were available with a 1.6L, 1.8L, or 2.0L. The 1.6 L dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower with 0-60 times consisting of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 119 miles per hour.

The 1.8L produced 140 horsepower with help of the raised engine compression ratio and the additions of domed pistons. The additions also helped the 0-60 time, which was marked at 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 123 miles per hour. In 2005, the 2.0L was the latest engine thrusting the Miata. The 16-valve engine produced 170 horsepower with a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, bringing the Miata to a fast finish when production ceased in the same year.

Even though all 3rd generation 2006 models all over the world now go with the name 'MX-5', the Miata will always be the true coupe that helped to accelerate the sports car appeal with today's roadsters.

by Kyle McMullen