For Sale: 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1997 Mazda Miata MX-5 Convertible

The first generation Miatas were such an incredible success that despite four generations, the spirit of the original has been maintained in the current iteration. Taking inspiration from the Lotus Elan and a history of British sports car configuration, the 1989 Miata hit a nerve in the United States that created a phenomenon not seen since the VW Beetle. Fun, practical, and priced right, the first generation Miatas were the most popular of the four generations, selling nearly 229,000 units between 1989 and 1997.

For consignment, a 1997 Mazda Miata MX-5 M-edition convertible with a title verified 39,006 actual miles. This final year first gen car has been well preserved in stock configuration with features specific to the M-edition. If a clean first gen Miata has been on your wish list, this might just be the ticket! Just 3,002 M-editions were produced in 1997.

Exterior
Sure, the press car and most common first gen color was red, but take a look at this two stage Marina Green Mica Metallic 1997 M-edition paint and suddenly red is a distant memory. What may be an ode to British Racing Green looks fantastic on the car, especially when matched with a tan soft top. Ovals abound on the car and include the flush tail lights, the British inspired door handles, the marker lights, and even the gaping intake under the smooth nose piece. Even the third brake light keeps the oval theme on the decklid. 15-inch chrome wheels are onboard as part of the M-edition and show some blistering, especially around the hub. Other imperfections are limited to some inclusions in the paint, minor chips, scuffs, scratches, and chin scrapes. Overall, she's in great shape, a testament to good care over its 30 years.

Interior
Like the British sports cars that inspired the Miata, the door panels are simple and pragmatic, dressed in black plastic and tan leather with an oval door handle and a pleated map pocket on each. The seats here are M-edition tan leather, tall and with headrest speakers and the M-edition logo, with the driver's side showing some slight wear. Miatas offer a simple yet driver focused cockpit that supplies the pilot with only essential information and that doesn't change for the M, however you are afforded a premium sound system with CD, leather wrapped steering wheel and Nardi wood shifter knob and brake handle. Cut pile tan carpeting covers the floor and not unexpectedly, it's in great shape and protected by matching Miata branded carpet mats. The trunk is clean and finished in gray flannel panels covering and home to a covered spare tire. Finally, a roll bar has been added which is not only functional, but with the top down, super cool looking!

Drivetrain
A green cam cover highlights the clean engine bay where you'll find a 1.8 liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with 133 horsepower, set into motion by a 5-speed manual transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 4.10 gears.

Undercarriage
Clean driver quality underneath with minimal surface rust and no errant fluids. Here we find power disc brakes on all four wheels, Macpherson struts front and back on the fully independent suspension, and a single exhaust still traveling through original equipment and a polished tip.

Drive-Ability
With just a tick over 39,000 miles, it's like taking a trip back to 1997 or 1998 in this comfortable, well kept roadster. The cabin fits like a glove and the ride around the test loop makes it immediately apparent why the Miata was a home run. Nimble and quick enough, this car does everything well and all functions on board work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

There are plenty of first gens still on the road, but how many have this kind of mileage and can claim this kind of condition? How many are special editions? This is a unique opportunity to purchase a very nice first gen Miata. Use it daily or reserve it for shows, even Radwood. You don't need a ton of room to store it nor a bunch of gas to keep it going.

JM1NA3538V0731564

J-Japan
M-Mazda
1-Passenger Car
NA-M1
35-Convertible
3-1.8L
8-Check Digit
V-1997
0-Hiroshima Japan Assy Plant
731564-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your state's titling and registration process.

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