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The mighty Mazda MX-5 is one of the most popular classics we insure here at Lancaster Insurance. It doesn’t come as a great surprise. Born in 1989, it has gone on to become one of the most famous roadsters of all time, with early models able to be picked up for peanuts (just watch out for that rust!).

Even a model in mint condition can be found for around £10,000 – not bad considering the amount of fun that can be had in one! This affordable price helps to keep classic car insurance premiums down and potentially leaves owners with some funds left to modify or restore their MX-5 as they see fit.

The MX-5 is the perfect entry point for those enthusiasts seeking a classic convertible. Boasting the two most important ingredients of any sports car – instant throttle response and a sweet exhaust note – it’s a lot of fun to drive and reliable to boot.

Capable of going from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds – despite a modest 115hp 1.6-litre petrol engine – the first-generation Mazda MX-5 was an enormous sales success.

Over the eight years the Mk1 was in production, some 431,544 models were sold. The second-generation MX-5 was equally popular, with impressive sales securing its place in the Guinness World Records in 2000 as the best-selling two-seater sports car in history.

Now in its fourth generation, the MX-5 continues to be in production to this day, with reviews suggesting it remains a joy to own and drive. Mazda has (thus far) sold more than one million MX-5s in those 30-plus years, picking up various awards along the way.

The MX-5 has cemented itself into the record books. So, let’s take a closer look at its journey to becoming a modern classic with some fast facts which you may or may not know.

Journalist Bob Hall is credited with coming up with the idea for the MX-5

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the origins of the Mazda MX-5 is that it was the brainchild of motoring journalist Bob Hall, who had no experience in designing cars.

As the story goes, in 1976, Hall suggested to Kenichi Yamamoto, head of Mazda R&D, that the successor to the manufacturer’s RX-7 should be a small open-topped sports car in the style of the original Lotus Elan.

The fact of the matter is, car executives are forever being told how to do their job; it comes with the territory. On this occasion, however, Yamamoto actually listened.

Yamamoto was so impressed with Hall’s idea he offered him a job in 1978 – by that time, the journalist had almost forgotten about his idea. Upon accepting the job, Hall was expecting to find himself working within Mazda’s PR department – but Yamamoto felt his expertise would be best utilised in Product Planning. And so, he began working in Mazda’s California design studio, helping to design the B Series pick-up truck.

Hall’s sports car idea, however, would remain just that – an idea – until 1982. Yamamoto, visiting the department, was disappointed to learn that Hall wasn’t able to bring his idea to life and quickly set about putting that right.

Even then, the management team at the California design studio didn’t make life easy for him, Hall explains: “They told me, you can work on your sports car project before 8.30am, between 12-1pm, and after 5.30pm. I came in at 6am, worked on it during lunch, every day for seven years.”

Experienced Project Manager Toshihiko Hirai was assigned to work alongside Hall, despite some apprehension from senior management. This was to be Hirai’s final project before retirement and Mazda management didn’t want his last one to be a failure.

Thankfully, Hirai could see the potential in Hall’s idea but even they couldn’t have envisaged how successful the MX-5 went on to be.

The California design studio’s concept for a front engine, rear wheel drive car was not immediately accepted until they revealed that it would be a soft top – then it was unanimous. And so, the concept was quickly put into production.

Despite Hall’s involvement in the design of the Mazda MX-5, he said he’s “uncomfortable” when being dubbed the car’s “father”. So, we won’t do that. In his own words, he “wrote the script”, while Hirai turned it into a “movie”. Hall could clearly come up with a good analogy, too.

 

The MX-5 was an immediate hit

The original MX-5 was first unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February, 1989 – although because it was an American-spec car it was badged Mazda Miata.

Mazda weren’t expecting it to be an instant success, instead more of a grower and spread by word of mouth. They estimated selling 5-600 cars per month in Japan, but the number was closer to five or six times more than that in its first year – not to mention the huge demand from the USA.

Mazda couldn’t make enough units quickly enough as demand outstripped supply.

The MX-5 had a different name in different markets

Only in Europe is the Mazda MX-5 simply known as the MX-5. In Japan, it was badged the Eunos Roadster, an early example of Japanese sub-branding. In the US, as previously alluded to, the car was called the Mazda MX5 Miata.

So, should you come to seek out one of these modern classics, check the paperwork to distinguish between imports and get a better idea of where it’s come from.

 

Jeremy Clarkson has not been shy in sharing his love for the MX-5

In his 2009 review of the Mazda MX-5 in The Times, motoring journalist and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson had this to say about the roadster: "The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it fourteen."

He went as far to say that the car is “a cure for depression”, claiming “you just can't be in a bad mood when you're driving it”.

Whether or not you respect his opinion is one thing, but it’s rare that he’s this effusive about any car, so you can’t help but sit up and take notice.

 

The MX-5 has been the star of the screen on a number of occasions

The first-generation Mazda MX-5 is portrayed in the 2006 Disney/Pixar film Cars as the identical twins Mia and Tia. The twins are Lightning McQueen's self-proclaimed biggest fans. Their names are a play on the US version of the MX-5: the Miata. Clever, right? At least we thought so.

The car has also starred in the films MacGruber and Looper. Have you spotted one in anything else?

 

The MX-5 has been owned by a number of stars

Celebrities often have much bigger budgets than the rest of us when it comes to buying cars. But even so, some stars have decided their wealth would be best spent on a modest MX-5. Perhaps they heard how fun they are to drive?

Among the celebrities to have owned a Mazda MX-5 include star of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Mission Impossible Simon Pegg. His racing green MX-5 even made an appearance in one of his earliest projects, the British sitcom Spaced. In the series, the car is owned by Peter Serafinowicsz’ character – but it was, in fact, Pegg’s own pride and joy.

Alan Partridge, aka Steve Coogan, is also a known fan of the MX-5. However, the car landed him in a spot of bother a couple of years ago when he was caught speeding in his Mazda MX-5 SE. He was disqualified from driving for 28 days and fined £670 for the misdemeanour.

Finally, arguably the world’s most famous car collector, Jay Leno, owns an MX-5. Having inherited the car from his late brother, it has gone on to become one of his favourites from his vast collection.

Fitted with uprated suspension and a supercharger, Leno says he loves driving the car and can do so without worrying about massive repair bills if it gets dinged!

Leno has predicted that the MX-5 will become even more collectible as it gets older. "I think the Miata will be the Ford Mustang of the next generation," he told Business Insider.

Do you agree with him? The evidence so far suggests he could be right.

The Mazda MX-5 shares a part with the Aston Martin DB7

As awesome as the first-generation Mazda MX-5 is, most would agree that the Aston Martin DB7 is on another level – there is a huge difference in price tag for starters.

However, you might be surprised to learn that the two cars actually have one part in common: the interior door release.

Once armed with this knowledge, you can’t help but look at the otherwise-opulent interior of the DB7 and think the door release looks out of place. Amongst all the leather, piping and wood, there’s a cheap plastic door release… For later DB7s, Aston upgraded this part to a chromed piece that looks much more appropriate.

As a way of explanation, at the time the DB7 was being made, Mazda and Aston both had the same parent company. And due to Aston’s less-than-robust finances at the time, the DB7 was developed on the cheap.

Despite this, the DB7 – just like the Mazda MX-5 – is well on its way to becoming a modern classic. Prices for the DB7 have started to go back up and they still manage to turn heads whenever you pass one on the road.

 

There is a growing owners’ club for the MX-5

The MX-5 Owners Club was established in 1994 and has grown to become one of the world’s largest owners’ clubs. The aims of the club are to “promote the use and enjoyment of the MX-5, encourage safe driving, create a friendly environment where MX-5 owners can meet and exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences”.

You don’t have to be an MX-5 owner to join the club; you just need to be an enthusiast of the world’s biggest-selling sports car.

If you are an MX-5 owner, signing up as a member is very much advised, which will allow you to tap into discount rates on servicing, parts and accessories.

You’ll also be able to consult the club’s Technical Consultant for some invaluable care and maintenance advice for your MX-5. In addition, a well-populated online forum means that you’ll be able to seek answers to any questions you might have. The MX-5 owners are a friendly bunch!

Annual membership costs only £35 – see more details here.

Protect your investment with classic car insurance

So, are you going to go straight out and get your hands on a Mazda MX-5 now? Whether you buy a UK version or an import, Lancaster can help you find the right insurance to cover it against accident, theft and more.

Did you know that Lancaster Insurance is the broker of choice for owners of 96,000 classic and retro vehicles right here in the UK?

From Japanese classics to British greats and even retro 4x4s and military vehicles, we’ve got experience of covering even hard-to-insure classics.

Benefits of classic car insurance through us can include:

• Up to 25% classic car club member discounts
• Salvage retention
• 90 days EU cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Two-year agreed valuations for £18 per year

Come and meet the team at the next Classic Motor Show at the NEC and find out more about how we can protect your pride and joy for years to come.

And if you’re a fan of visiting car shows, we can provide cover for static events and historic rallies so you can get out and about with your classic and use it as intended.

Get a quote for classic car insurance today from the specialists at Lancaster.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.