On Sunday, the venerable Mazda MX-5 Miata will tick the box at 25 years old. The MX-5 debuted at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show and has gone on to sell a couple of cars between now and then, 920,000 to be exact, making it Guinness’ best-selling two-seater sports car in the world.
Unlike most cars that would scarcely resemble their 1989 ancestors, the Miata remains easily distinguishable, temptingly priced, yet freshly updated since its inception. The first-generation Miata sported a 116-horsepower, 1.6L four-cylinder, mated to either the standard five-speed manual or grandma’s optional four-speed automatic. And in a time of beam axles and torsion bars, the Miata’s four-corner double wishbone independent suspension set the trend for today’s modern roadsters.
Over the coming generations the MX-5 grew slightly, gaining a six-speed manual, more powerful 2.0L powerplant, and even a limited-slip differential. We just wish it kept the pop-up headlights. Mazda, thank you for 25 fantastic years with the beloved Miata, and here’s to 25 more.
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[via Mazda]
