For Sale: 1995 Mazda 5 in Katwijk, Netherlands

A good idea absolutely doesn't have to be original. In the end, it's all about the execution. And that is exactly why the Mazda MX-5 became such a legend. In the late 1980s, the Japanese car brands wanted to prove that they could build more than just sensible, reliable cars. And they succeeded rather well. Think of icons like the Toyota Supra, Honda NSX, Nissan Skyline GT-R and Mazda RX-7. Mazda had long been toying with the idea of developing a compact sports car positioned below the RX-7. That RX-7 had by then become faster, more luxurious and more expensive, which left room for something simpler and purer. The idea was actually brilliant in all its simplicity: to bring back the magic of the classic British roadsters. A lightweight car, rear-wheel drive, a spirited four-cylinder and, above all, pure driving pleasure. Only this time without oil stains on the driveway and without having to carry a full toolkit in the boot as standard. The MX-5 made its debut in 1989 at the Chicago Motor Show and was an instant hit. In Japan it was called the Eunos Roadster, in America the Miata, and here simply the MX-5. Initially available with a 1.6 engine, but from 1994 Mazda introduced the stronger 1.8 version with 130 bhp. And let's be honest: that suits the character of the car perfectly. The lovely thing about an MX-5 is that top speed is actually completely irrelevant. It's all about the feeling. Roof down, rear-wheel drive, a short gearstick, low weight and a steering feel that modern cars can sometimes only dream of. Every corner feels more fun than it has any right to be. The success of the MX-5 ultimately triggered a whole wave of roadsters. BMW came up with the Z3, MG with the F, Porsche with the Boxster and Renault even with the Sport Spider. Suddenly everyone wanted a piece of the action. And quite rightly too, because roadsters are simply the most fun cars there are. These days you see this sort of car less and less. Everything has to be electric, heavy and digital. Which is precisely why a first-generation MX-5 has acquired such an enormous cult status. It is a beautiful survivor from the 1980s and 1990s. Those pop-up headlights alone guarantee plenty of thumbs-up at every petrol station. And then there's this car... Originally UK, no. Let me correct that: originally Dutch-supplied Mazda MX-5 1.8 16v from 1995, finished in the gorgeous colour Brilliant Black. An example of the kind you rarely come across nowadays. This MX-5 has stayed within the same family from the moment it was bought new and has been maintained with truly unprecedented love. Fully serviced at the official Mazda dealer up to and including 2011, and of course demonstrably serviced every year after that as well. All booklets, documentation, service records and a thick folder full of invoices are present. The last service was carried out at 57,304 km. On top of that, the car has never slept outside and has always stood neatly dry inside the garage. You can genuinely see it in every detail. No rust, no bad spots and absolutely none of the half-hidden misery you sometimes come across. This MX-5 is in abnormally beautiful condition. As if it has just come out of the box. A car with a huge feel-good factor. The modern MGB of its time, but built with Japanese precision and reliability. For the true enthusiast, this is definitely one you simply have to see. Some cars you buy because they impress people. This one you buy because it makes you happy. **Special features** - First-generation NA, the purest MX-5 - Brilliant Black over cloth interior - 1.8 litre four-cylinder, 130 bhp - Iconic pop-up headlights - Extensive service history from 1998 - Five owners, always kept in the Netherlands - No import, fully documented Dutch history - Original key fob with remote control With the wind in my hair and the sun on the dashboard, Nick Slinger