Auction Car of the Week: 2002 Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 needs no introduction. The best-selling sports car of all time, it’s one of the most affordable and accessible ways to brighten your motoring life. More than a million buyers can’t be wrong…

That said, a combination of time and poor corrosion-proofing means many MX-5s are afflicted by rust. The infectious driving experience has also resulted in some enormous mileages, while an enthusiastic modifying scene has depleted the number of standard, original cars.

Thankfully, this car has none of these drawbacks. With an astonishingly low 2,039 miles on the odometer, this is probably the closest you’ll get to a brand-new Mk2 Mazda MX-5.

Brand new retro

Up for auction with Car & Classic, the MX-5 is in stunning condition. Its exterior has few small grazes
from 2,000 miles of driving, but its interior is utterly pristine. It genuinely looks factory-fresh.

It’s no secret the MX-5 was Mazda’s attempt at reinventing the original Lotus Elan. With its gorgeous and immaculate Racing Green paintwork, this example looks every inch the modern British sports car.

The Mk2 MX-5 was essentially a major update of the original, rather than a completely new car. It
featured fresh styling, with conventional headlights instead of pop-up lamps, plus additional refinements such as anti-lock brakes and a heated glass rear window.

Second time lucky

Perhaps the MX-5 was somewhat of a victim of its own success. Its reliability and user-friendliness inevitably boosted its popularity, which in turn created an ownership experience that is certainly enjoyable, but by no means rare. However, MX-5s like this one are rare indeed.

This car is now ready to meet only its second-ever custodian, and to be driven and enjoyed over the remaining summer months.

Car & Classic’s auction of this 2002 Mazda MX-5, in association with Retro Motor, is now live and runs until 21 July 2023. As for a price, reckon on spending more than £10,000 to secure the winning bid.

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