The Mazda MX-5 Miata captured the spirit of a bygone golden age of open-top motoring, in an affordable, reliable package. It also sparked off a new era of convertible fun—without the MX-5, there would probably be no Audi TT, BMW Z3, Honda S2000 or MG TF—and has entered the Guiness Book of Records as the world's best-selling roadster, having sold more than 600,000 worldwide.

Mazda's smiling sports car has active enthusiasts' clubs all over the world, and it has demonstrated its balance, agility and toughness in countless racing championships, hillclimbs and autocross competitions. Liz Turner tells the story of its creation, talking to some of the brilliant and determined designers and engineers who achieved their ambition of producing the perfect roadster.

As well as the Mazda MX-5 sold in Europe, and the American Miata, the story covers the Eunos in Japan. As this tough little car can handle a great deal more power, advice is given on all tuning options together with fully illustrated hints and tips on buying, maintaining, modifying and how to enjoy all that the MX-5 Miata offers.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments | Introduction

1. East meets West Coast
2. Creating the perfect roadster
3. More power
4. Thoroughly modern Mazda
5. The Mk2 gets a face-lift
6. Choosing and buying an MX-5
7. Limited editions
8. The Eunos Roadster
9. Owner's clubs
10. The MX-5 on track
11. Mods and accessories
12. Keeping your car healthy

Appendix A: Inspired sensation by Tom Matano | Appendix B: Specifications and performance figures | Appendix C: Great websites | Appendix D: Parts, accessories and services

• Publisher: Haynes Publishing — 2002
• Author: Liz Turner
• Binding: Hardcover — 8¼ x 10¾ inches
• Pages: 160 — Over 200 color photos
• ISBN: 1859608477