Tomáš bought his 1996 Mazda MX-5 in 2017 in the small German town of Pfaffenhofen. The seller was an older gentleman who had mainly used the car as his winter commuter, driving it to and from work.
When Tomáš took ownership, the car was fully drivable, but time and winter use had left their marks. As is typical with Mazdas of this era, rust was the main issue. The underside showed heavy corrosion, and the sills had started to get affected too—though not so badly that he was leaving piles of rust behind every time he parked.
So why this car? For Tomáš, the answer was simple: the MX-5 is an icon. A true legend of the automotive world. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but its agility, balance, and sheer driving fun put it in a league of its own. Modern cars struggle to capture that same raw, joyful spirit.
And then there’s the magic of the convertible. For Tomáš, owning the MX-5 meant ticking off two dreams at once: having a lightweight sports car that guarantees fun on every drive, and enjoying the open-air experience with the roof down. Of course, driving in 40-degree summer heat isn’t always glamorous—but with the Miata, the joy always outweighs the discomfort.
To give you an idea of what lies under the skin, the NA generation of the Mazda MX-5 (produced between 1989 and 1997) was designed with absolute simplicity and driving joy in mind. Its lightweight body, iconic pop-up headlights, and easy-to-use manual soft-top all served one purpose: to make driving fun. The car follows a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, paired with double wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, which gives it a nimble, playful character that enthusiasts still celebrate today.
The original 1.6-liter B6ZE engine, like the one in Tomáš’s car, was engineered not for raw power but for responsiveness. With features such as a lightened crankshaft, balanced internals, and simple, reliable systems, it delivers a direct and engaging driving experience that fits perfectly with the car’s lightweight design.
Even more than 30 years later, many NA MX-5s remain dependable companions if properly maintained. Mechanically, they are not overly complicated, which makes them approachable for enthusiasts. The real challenge lies in preserving the bodywork, as rust and weather exposure are the Achilles’ heel of these otherwise remarkably durable sports cars.
Key Mods
Rust repair
Upgraded suspension
Performance brakes
Lightweight wheels
Sport tires
Sport exhaust
Style
Classic roadster
Convertible / soft top
Minimalist interior
Timeless ’90s lines
Notable
Lightweight and agile
Pure driving fun
Iconic automotive legend
Open-top – summer drives
Instagram: @redhood_miata
Car: Mazda MX5 (1996)
Engine: 1.6-liter petrol engine with power output, 66 kW (90 PS)
Transmission: Manual
