Mazda factory restoring Mk1 MX5's

[Jamie N]

Owners in Japan can now take their MX5 back to the factory to be transformed back into 'as new' condition... https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... &t=1774253 , sounds like good idea but I could imagine it being a costly one, probably nothing near the cost if it was the average UK rot box example
though, I think most would require a new shell !.

Imagine Lotus doing the same for the M100, you could maybe specify it having brakes that worked, a hood that didn't leak like a sieve, a fuel tank
that didn't split, a dashboard that didn't have gaps you could drive a bus through, a rear window you could see through, panel gaps that were consistent
side to side, gear cables that were fit for purpose, seats that were ergonomic and pretty ,and a clutch cable that was removable without dismantling half the car, did I miss anything? .

Off course Honda have been doing this with the early NSX for a while now, cant imagine those needing much replaced or modified seeing as it was / is
the epitome of vehicular perfection .

[sideways]

Owners in Japan can now take their MX5 back to the factory to be transformed back into 'as new' condition... https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... &t=1774253 , sounds like good idea but I could imagine it being a costly one, probably nothing near the cost if it was the average UK rot box example
though, I think most would require a new shell !.

Imagine Lotus doing the same for the M100, you could maybe specify it having brakes that worked, a hood that didn't leak like a sieve, a fuel tank
that didn't split, a dashboard that didn't have gaps you could drive a bus through, a rear window you could see through, panel gaps that were consistent
side to side, gear cables that were fit for purpose, seats that were ergonomic and pretty ,and a clutch cable that was removable without dismantling half the car, did I miss anything? .

Off course Honda have been doing this with the early NSX for a while now, cant imagine those needing much replaced or modified seeing as it was / is
the epitome of vehicular perfection .

Umm, yes, the brakes are a bit 'dead' but I have yet to enjoy the other experiences you mention, I suspect my recently acquired was well looked after.

I am looking at replacing the seats with ones from an S2000; I bunged them in my MK1 Cortina GT when I slung that S2000 drivetrain in it and found them to be it very comfy, plus they sit a bit lower which I deem perfect (for me anyway).

Once that is done, I will look long and hard at turning this immaculate car into a Plus 2.

Really.

As for the Miata, had a couple but they simply lacked what the various Lotus I have enjoyed over the years, had.

All that said, if I could find an NSX T at the right price...

[par]

did I miss anything? .

How about a glovebox that closes flush, gauges that don't steam up, a bonnet without mould sink marks (maybe only particular to black examples), a clock you can see when driving, access to the timing belt covers without removing the engine mount are a few things that spring to mind!

And of course a £2 rusty penknife that turns a £5 toolkit ito one that is apparently worth £250

[Simon_P]

Perhaps lotus could offer a toolkit restoration service... But then the penknife is probably no longer serviced.

Jamie,
Sounds like you own the wrong car. I don't have the remotest inclination towards the cars you mention, in fact I haven't ever driven a Japanese car...

Next on my list is a series Land Rover which has all of your complaints by the bucket load and then some.

[muley]

Re the MX-5 rebuild; it might be easier and cheaper to jack up the windscreen wipers and slide a new ND MX-5 underneath. I was never struck on MK1s anyway, I didn't think 1.6l. was enough ~ 2.0l. on the other hand

I'm very committed to Hondas, had one in the family for 26 years off and on. I like the MX-5 too ~ sublime gear change and brakes!

But owning an M100 is a different kettle of fish altogether because of it's character and handling. Gives plenty of tinkering opportunities, too!

[par]

I would never discount any car based solely on the country it is from, granted there are some weird variants from Japan but the noise of a proper Honda engine operating in VTEC is a mechanical symphony to my ears whether it is a DC2 Integra/Civic/CRX B-series or an F20 at 9000 rpm in an S2000!

I have never had any inclination for a Mazda MX5 either however after having to fix my daughters boyfriends early Eunos Mk1 1.6 import and testing afterwards I can understand the appeal to others, under powered yes but light body with precise sharp steering and controllable back end fun close to the speed limits is still fun and you may be able to agree a sponsorship deal with your local hairdresser

[Simon_P]

Par I don't discount them based on their being from Japan, I discount them because they do nothing for me. The Japanese make excellent cars I just don't find them interesting.

I have recommended the MX5 to several people - reliable, well made, plenty to choose from, does what it says on the tin. I don't need to have driven one to say that, as it is obviously a good car. Just to me it has more in common with an MGB than an Elan; M100 or 60s

[sideways]

did I miss anything? .

How about a glovebox that closes flush, gauges that don't steam up, a bonnet without mould sink marks (maybe only particular to black examples), a clock you can see when driving, access to the timing belt covers without removing the engine mount are a few things that spring to mind!

And of course a £2 rusty penknife that turns a £5 toolkit ito one that is apparently worth £250

I don't wear gloves so...as for the rest, I must have bought a rogue one as it has none of the enhancements you mention.

Hmm, maybe I should look at that timing belt thing though - could be the original for all I know.