The British Roadster type of cars was extremely popular in the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies. However, come the Eighties and the genre was basically dead. That is, until a manufacturer from halfway across the world would introduce a groundbreaking Roadster, and one that is an icon, as well as a benchmark to this day. Enter Japanese automaker Mazda with their MX-5, or Miata as it is known in Japan. The MX-5 redefined the formula of the affordable, rear-wheel-drive Roadster, and remains a much-loved car in 2022, on its fourth generation. If you’ve been lusting after an MX-5 (and there are many who do in North America), this first-generation 1994 Mazda MX-5 M-Edition is a great ticket to satiate your lust, with just 19,500 miles on the clock. Only 3,000 M-Editions were produced, and all for the USA.

Exterior and Interior

Jinba Ittai, loosely translating to ‘Rider and Horse’ is the philosophy by which Hiroshima-based Mazda created the MX-5 around. It means that the car should be as light and compact as possible while adhering to global safety requirements, accommodate two occupants with little wasted space, and possess a front-mid engine driving the rear wheels. There are other MX-5/Miata considerations, but they are enough for a separate article. This 1994 Mazda MX-5 M-Edition for sale by its original owner presents the clean lines of the design in a straight black paintwork, and possesses those uber-cool pop-up headlamps. A hardtop is included in the sale, and the car wears racing tires with reportedly less than 200 miles on them. The rear spoiler and side flare panels are present and correct on this car as well. There’s an aftermarket roll bar for added safety. As you can see in the photos, the car wears a black bra on the front end to keep it safe. The tan interior accommodates two occupants who will be having the time of their lives once the MX-5 gets going. There’s interior wood laminate trim, a wood-tipped gear shifter knob and handbrake lever, air conditioning, power windows and even cruise control! There doesn’t appear to be a radio, but you can fit your own if desired, and if you look closely, the seats appear to have the in-seat speaker option, although we’re unsure if the speakers are installed within the headrests, or will need fitting.

Engine

The Mazda MX-5 isn’t just a Roadster for looks, it’s also a great entry-level racing car and a safe platform for rookies to gain their skills, and professionals to hone them. It’s not uncommon to see many racers dip their toes into the water behind the wheel of an MX-5. Why is that? Lift the hood of this 1994 Mazda MX-5 M-Edition and you’ll find a 1.8L in-line four cylinder engine that produces 129hp and 110lb-ft, sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Not particularly earth-shattering, but the svelte 2,200lb kerbweight means sprightly performance, and the double wishbone/multi-link suspension all round endows it with great handling. That’s why the MX-5 is such a great learning platform; it is a safe and predictable handler with enough power, but not too much to get you in trouble. All-round disc brakes are on hand for stopping duties. The M-Edition adds a Torsen limited slip differential.