‘A present to myself’

1998 Mazda MX-5 MKII Dickon China, Burgess Hill, Sussex

When I retired I told myself I’d have a toy, and was considering an MG TF, but when I saw this on the dealer’s forecourt, I thought: ‘Well, I can’t leave that there!’ It’s a very early MKII, built in 1998 and brought to the UK as a grey import in 1999. I’ve had it for eight years and it’s still absolutely bog standard, with 28k miles on the clock and all its service history. I only take it out when the weather’s nice, so it’s in perfect condition, and apart from servicing it’s required nothing.

I had a MKI before this. They’re totally reliable and comfortable – much easier to get in and out of than my MG Midget. But why an open-top car has air conditioning, I just don’t know!