38K Original Miles/Beautiful Paint/Straight Panels/Snappy 1.6 Liter I-4

1990 Mazda Miata

"We wanted to combine the reliability and quality of a Japanese car with the excitement and emotion of an inexpensive, lightweight, rear-drive convertible," said Bob Hall, product planning manager at Mazda's Irvine, California, facility and one of the visionaries behind the creation of the Miata. "The idea just seemed incredibly logical to us."

For consignment, a modern-day sports car that offers up great handling, a bit of wind in your hair, a seat low to the ground, snappy acceleration, and above all reliability. Let's see that from the Triumphs and MG's! And this one with a mere 38,979 actual miles.

Exterior
The Miata has clearly been created by and for enthusiasts. Examine the car's smart lines for a moment. Could a calculator-toting marketing team have penned such an enticing form? Of course not-the Miata has plainly sprung from knowing hands. The shape is nostalgic but not imitative; Mazda has captured the essence and flavor of the sports cars of yore without copying any one design. Instead the Miata's neat and trim shape charm with warmly familiar details: attractive snowflake alloy wheels, carefully styled chrome door handles, jaunty rear-view mirrors, sleek taillights, and that oh-so-important air intake in the prow. Of course, if all you see here is a 1990's version of the Lotus Elan, well, what's so bad about that? All bathed in Classic Red, and all in excellent condition. Including the black vinyl top with clear plastic rear window.

Interior
The Miata is equally aware inside. The cabin recalls the immediacy of an honest-sports-car cockpit without forcing the occupants to endure cramped quarters. Anyone short of an NBA player will be able to get comfortable in the Miata. The instrument panel sits up close and personal, but there's plenty of legroom in the well's underneath. (Orthodox enthusiasts take note: the throttle pedal is drilled.) The room is generous for hips and shoulders. Excellent charcoal gray tweed cloth with a slightly raised pattern covers the buckets. More than roomy, the Miata's cabin is a friendly place to be. The instruments are simple analog dials-would an honest sports car use anything else? (Note, too, the nostalgic chrome rings around the speedometer and the tach.) The straightforward climate controls fall readily to hand. The shifter is reachable without reaching. Slightly faded black carpet covers the floors, and all is really clean on the inside. Mazda has done a superb job of preserving the intimate atmosphere of an honest sports car.

Drivetrain
A pop of the hood and we are greeted by a beautifully kept and prepared 1.6 Liter Inline 4-cylinder engine. This has electronic fuel injection, and the original 5-speed manual transmission bolted behind. Rear wheel drive (should it be any other way on a sports car worth its salt?) has a 4.30 gearing. Slight corrosion is noted on the aluminum fuel injection cover, but otherwise the engine is very clean.

Undercarriage
Some minor surface rust is noted on the usual suspects (suspension, drive shaft and axles) but is merely surface rust. All underneath is structurally sound and in full working condition. We can note that the right rear coil spring is broken! That said independent coil spring suspension is on all 4 corners as well as power disc brakes.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth runner, and very easy shifting up through the gears provided a smooth ride, despite the broken spring. This car handles better than my TR6 and has way more acceleration with 2 less cylinders.

If you want to have a sports car in the true sense of the word, with all the nagging problems designed away (cramped interior, shifters too far away, clunky suspension, some power but never enough, and unreliability) then look no further with this Miata which brings rejuvenation to the term sports car, and a smile to my face as I cruised down the road with the top down. Nearly worry free of what my next repair may be.

VIN Decode
JM1NA3512L0146068
J-Japan
M-Mazda
1-Passenger Car
NA-M1
35-Convertible
1-1.6L B6P
2-Check Digit
L-1990
0-Hiroshima Japan Assy Plant
146068-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.