MIATA DO-OVERS
Mazda inspired by its past
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN When Mazda was developing the first-generation MX-5 Miata, known as the NA, the development team bought classic cars — an MGB and a Datsun 240Z — as muses for the upcoming sports car. They wanted to drive and test the classics alongside the new car to ensure it captured the same joy as roadsters once did.
Speaking with Nobihuro Yamamoto, a lead engineer when the original Miata was in development, I asked him which classics had been brought in to develop the latest, the ND MX-5.
And with a smile, he replied simply, “the NA.”
The car meant to carry on the legacy of the classics has become a classic itself. Introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year, the oldest NA Miatas are now 30 years old. A victim of their own fun-to-drive and easy-to-use nature, many of even the best-cared-for NAs have succumbed to the perils of age.
A devoted crew within Mazda felt something needed to be done. So, the Mazda MX-5 restoration program was created “to deepen the bond between you and your NA,” says the brochure detailing the service.
For roughly $58,000 Canadian, a team of craftsmen and experts will go over literally every single part on your MX-5 and make it new again. The level of detail goes down to remaking the softtop with the exact same grain as the 1989 unit. Sure, aftermarket soft-tops are still available, but they’re not a 100 per cent match of the old pattern — the ones Mazda uses are custom-made and sourced from the U.S.
Although the original Bridgestone SF-325 tires have long been out of production, Mazda has remade them exactly as they were, with the notable deviation of using a more modern and grippier rubber compound for the tire itself.
Mazda is also very selective about the cars it will restore. The program had 54 applicants, which were whittled down to a waiting list of 15 cars. Cars can be rejected for being too rusty or being in an advanced state of disrepair. But more important than the car itself, Mazda is looking for owners who are good ambassadors for the brand. They want people who have a strong bond with their cars, not necessarily just those with a lot of money to spend.
Sadly, the program is limited to Japan right now, but that might change. In the meantime, the company is exploring expanding the program to RX-7 models.
“We want to make that dream happen,” Yamamoto said, adding the program is looking at secondand third-generation RX-7s, known as the FC and FD, respectively. The next car Mazda is considering is the Eunos Cosmo from the early 1990s, a three-rotor technological tour de force that was never sold outside of Japan.
Before launching the Miata restoration program, Yamamoto travelled to Germany and studied similar programs run by Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
But it’s not just a restoration program. Mazda is backing it up by adding 1,100 parts to its catalogue to support fans doing their own, likely less intensive MX-5 maintenance. And it’s worth noting that the restoration program is not limited to total restorations of a complete car — they’ll refurbish your Miata’s interior, engine or exterior, instead of the whole package, if you so choose.
Mazda Canada is “very interested” in supplying NA Miata owners in Canada access to these parts, and is working on a deal with Mazda’s U.S. division to allow Canadian dealers to order these parts from any North American distribution centre.
On a small test track at Mazda’s sizable Hiroshima facility, I sampled two freshly restored NA Miatas. Gleaming in the late afternoon sun, you can really see how deep these restorations go. Every tiny rubber seal and plastic fitting are perfect and new, and every single part looks flawless. I’ve driven many NA Miatas and some were very nice, but nothing compared to these.