When the NC generation of the Mazda Miata launched in 2005, it marked a major evolution of the nameplate with increased comfort and improved design at the sacrifice of increased curb weight. Outside of this, however, it carried on the legacy of its predecessors with a simple, front-engined, driver-centric two-seater design that was nimble in the corners and relatively quick in a straight line. The NC Miata was easily recognizable as an MX-5, but the model you see here is, arguably, one of the most tastefully unique examples of the MX-5 from that generation.
It’s Like The Honda S2000 And MX-5 Had A Baby
The MX-5 Miata we’re highlighting here today is from 2008, which means it was produced before the NC went through its midcycle update. Well-kept for its age, it has some 67,000 miles on the clock and hides the original Brilliant Black paint under that eye-catching bright yellow wrap. This is, clearly, not a stock NC-generation MX-5, though.
The most obvious point of reference is that front fascia that looks like it came from the AP2 Honda S2000. It gives the NC a more modern-looking front end with a more pronounced chin and a somewhat smaller intake. The rear end features a new carbon-finish ducktail spoiler and tinted taillights. It even rides on Japan Racing JR5 alloy wheels that round out a tastefully customized exterior.
The interior has also been slightly modified, featuring an all-black interior with yellow contrast stitching. The highlight here, however, is the custom aftermarket infotainment display built into the center console that really gives this old car a modern touch.
Subtle Upgrades Under The Skin Too
Under the hood, the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential remains. When it rolled off the production line, this engine was good for 166 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, enough for a 0-60 mph sprint in the 7.1- to 7.5-second range and a top speed somewhere around 140 mph. This model has a remapped ECU, however, which is enough to push output up to 183 horsepower.
The chassis, which is also original to the car, features a few updates as well, including brake discs from a Mazda RX-8 and Brembo Calipers. The BC Racing coilover kit is responsible for the lower ride height and, probably, stiffer handling.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is most definitely a unique and one-of-a-kind MX-5 Miata, though it also comes at a price. It’s listed on Italian website EM-Power with a selling price of €18,000 or around $18,770 as of the time of this publication. Whether or not that type of price is justified for a tastefully modified NC-gen MX-5 remains to be seen, though decent low-milage versions of the newest-generation ND Miata (2016 model year) can be had from $20,000 or so depending on your location and where you look. Personally, the unique styling and tasteful updates would be enough for me to consider this unique NC, especially when the seller promises that it has been maintained well over the 67,000 miles it’s traveled over the course of its lifetime.
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