1991 Mazda MX-5

• World's most popular sports car
• Early 1600cc non-air-conditioning example
• Classic Red launch specification
• Fitted with NB wheels
• Momo steering wheel
• Requires restoration

The American motoring journalist Bob Hall first pitched Mazda on the idea of a new generation wind-in-the-hair British-style sports car as far back as 1976, as the golden era of roadsters was faltering. Their response was 1989's Mazda MX-5, designed in California and engineered in Japan, which would go on to eclipse the very cars it was a tribute to. A revvy four-cylinder engine, a stiff convertible backbone chassis, and a light weight of just 980kg blended with bulletproof Japanese reliability created an overnight icon. More than 430,000 examples of the first-generation MX-5 were built during a nine-year production span, with the world's most popular sports car now occupying firm modern classic status in the minds of enthusiasts globally.

This 1991 'NA' series MX-5 features the earlier 1600cc engine without air conditioning, which has a more free-spirited character than the torquier 1800 that arrived in 1994. Finished in Classic Red, one of the original four launch colours, this MX-5 has been upgraded with the later 15x6" wheels from the second-generation NB. The interior shows signs of use consummate with the 178,000km on the odometer, but the fabric seats present with no rips or excessive wear and the factory Momo steering wheel retains its rare horn cover. A folder includes an old Dutch registration document, and Belgian registration has been requested. Showing signs of rust, the MX-5 will require recommissioning and restoration before future use.