Production No. 14
Year: 1990
There were three Miatas at the original world debut site at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989. This car, the 14th ever made, was one of them.
Production No. 15
Year: 1990
Like No. 14, this car is one of the models that was physically in attendance for the global debut of the Miata back in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. Mazda went on to sell almost 100,000 cars in its first year.
Production No. 17, First Racecar
Year: 1990
This is the third car that was at the Miata's debut, but this one had bigger dreams than being just for show. Those dreams involved racing. It first was intended for the Sports Car Club of America's Escort Endurance races, but the team couldn't get sponsorship. So, it was donated to Don Edmunds, who used it as the first Miata racer ever. It reportedly has 6,500 miles on it, none of which were on a normal street. Since then, Mazda says there are 5,000 Miatas racing worldwide and that it is the most-raced nameplate in the world.
Club Racer Concept
Year: 1989
Mazda knew it had a good racer on its hands, so it started developing the possibilities early on. As in, like, at the first auto show where it debuted. This car had lowered suspension, low-profile fixed headlamps (instead of pop-up), wider fenders, and 15-inch Panasport wheels with Yokohoma AVS wheels. Because racecar.
M-Speedster Concept
Year: 1995
Debuted at the '95 Chicago Auto Show, the M-Speedster was a design exercise to beef up the little roadster a bit. It had more aggressive fenders, a lower windscreen, cowl headrests, racing bucket seats, and a racing harnesses. The 1.8L engine was supercharged, and a new suspension had progressive rate springs, new shocks, and thicker anti-roll bars. Boom shakalaka.
M Coupe Concept
Year: 1996
It's a Miata. But it's a coupe! COUPE MIATA. Dripping in pearl yellow paint, this super rare Mazda had a lowered suspension and a widened stance. To the unhappiness of some, it never made it into production.
The Only 1998
Year: 1998
The first generation of this car ran from model year 1990 through 1997. The second generation didn't start until 1999. So, what was 1998 used for? Experimentation. Mazda wanted a car without the flip-up headlights, a new face, and more trunk space. So, the company came up with this. It doesn't run, but this is what paved the way for the second gen.
No. 500,000
Year: 1999
It only took a little more than 10 years for Mazda to sell 500,000 Miatas. 1999 was also the first year that a six-speed manual was offered in the Miata, showing off to the world in the 10th Anniversary Edition model.
SCCA Spec
Year: 1999
Mazda wanted to help out the people who were racing the Miata. So, the company made this model, which had new shocks, modified sway bars, different springs, and modified exhaust and intake. Any more questions why the Mazda tagline was zoom zoom?
2. No. 700,000, MAZDASPEED MX-5
Year: 2004
It didn't use the Miata name, and it had a turbocharger for the first time, but this was still the same car at heart. Fun fact: MX-5 stands for Mazda sports-piston expirmental, 5th model. This car made 180 horsepower from its turbo 1.8L.
SUPER20
Year: 2010
SEMA is a show that brings to mind thoughts of oversized rims, gaudy accessories, and in-your-face everything. Yet, somehow, the SUPER20 was able to maintain its cool when it debuted at the aftermarket show just a few years ago. The Hyper Orange Mica paint might be bright, but this thing is just plain sport. Under the hood there is a "Flyin'-Miata-sourced" supercharger and a new exhaust header. That means 250 horses in this thing. Enkei wheels and Toyo tires add to the package.
