1992 Mazda Miata MX-5 

"For years, those who loved the road, the wind, the sky, and the stars had cars to satisfy their passions: the classic roadsters.  But then those cars disappeared.  The car enthusiasts at Mazda asked, “Why?” and set out to give the world a modern car that recreated that special feeling and pleasure of classic sports car driving.  That car is the Mazda Miata, a car that becomes part of you and responds, not just to your command, but almost to your thoughts.  In short, a car with a heart and soul.”  From the 1992 Miata Dealer Brochure 

For consignment, a garage kept under a cover first generation Miata with an unofficial special edition package.  The C-package on a black Miata was only offered in 1992 and only 4,626 were built, each with special elements that we'll get into.  This '92 MX-5 has a title verified 51,802 actual miles and our consignor tells us it has been garage kept and covered.  

Exterior
Brilliant Black is the color of choice and the only other external cues to its specialness are the tan soft top and the 14-inch BBS aluminum wheels.  If you're a Miata enthusiast, you'll also notice the power antenna.  The smooth lines, gaping mouth, hidden headlights and flush tail lights of the '92 still look good today, a testament to automotive journalist Bob Hall's hand drawn vision for the car's design.  The paint on the car is in very good condition and it comes with a body colored fiberglass hardtop and the tan canvas soft top.  The inset one finger door handle was a bit of throwback to earlier roadsters, but in 1992 was unique to the Miata.  For imperfections, we notice one scratch in the body crease at the belt line and some scrapes on the front chin. 

Interior
Just about everything on the inside is part of the special package and it begins with stainless steel sill scuff plates.  Tan, leather clad door panels are next and you'll note the door actuator mimics the shape of the outer handle.  The leather bucket seats house speakers in the headrest, a nifty feature!  A leather wrapped steering wheel is special, but the gauge cluster is standard.  The center stack holds the heater and AC controls and AM/FM/Cassette radio.  Power windows and locks are another upgrade for this package but perhaps the highlight is the Nardi wood handles on the manual shifter, (three cheers for the fun stick!), and the parking brake lever.  This is most definitely a nod to early British roadsters that were replete with fine wood.  The tan loop carpet is in excellent condition and the trunk is spotless and covered in black felt mats.  These editions are often called “black and tans” and the interior is where these colors really come together nicely.  

Drivetrain
A 1.6 liter DOHC inline four was the only engine offered and is fuel injected and was factory rated at 113 horsepower.  It is tied to a 5-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels and 4.30 gears.  Power disc brakes were standard.  The engine bay presents a bit better than driver quality and as expected for a well cared for car with just under 52,000 miles. 

Undercarriage
Generally clean and dry underneath and it's quite obvious this car has not been driven in foul weather and as consignor states, never in snow.  The single exhaust runs through a catalytic converter, then a stainless steel muffler and then exits via a chrome tip under the right rear valance.  Independent suspension on front and rear includes coil springs.   Some surface rust on some metal surfaces but for a car of this age, minimal at best.  

Drive-Ability
You can keep telling me it only has 113 horsepower, but there's something about the go kart like feeling of Miatas that just makes them feel quick and maybe a bit more powerful than the 113 horses would dictate.  They are nimble, zippy, and as millions can attest now, pretty darn fun.  Everything works as it should on this car and the only thing missing is a new, loving owner. 

While not “ultra rare” the black and tans were the best spec'd Miata of 1992 and with less than 10% getting this C package, it's still somewhat of an uncommon find.  There were official special editions in other years, but no other package went essentially unnamed with a “if you know, you know” following.  It's pretty special.  Surely, you've got some room in your garage for this one?

JM1NA3510N0311201

J-Japan
M-Mazda
1-Passenger Car
NA-M1
35-Convertible
1-1.6L B6P
0-Check Digit
N-1992
0-Hiroshima, Japan Assy Plant
300798-Sequential Unit Number

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