A second-generation Mazda Miata, otherwise known as the MX-5, just found a new owner in Japan who ended up paying the equivalent of $29,000 USD for it.
Only 200 such vehicles was made. We all know that the latest ND generation had a hardtop version (and there was an optional hardtop accessory in the list, too). However, in mid-2000s, the company produced what it called a ‘Roadster Coupe’ in Japan based on the second-gen NB chassis.
According to different estimations, Mazda made from 500 to 1,000 such vehicles back in 2003-2004, spread among four trim levels called Standard, Type-A, Type-E and Type-E. The car on the photos here is an A-Type from a batch of around 200 units.
The Miata Type-A came equipped with its own, special body kit featuring flared fenders in addition to the usual aerodynamic parts. It also had an original headlight design. Its 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine churned out slightly more than standard at 157 PS (155 hp / 115 kW). A six-speed manual transmission carried the momentum to the wheels.
The Roadster Coupe weighed in at just 10 kilos (22 pounds) above its ‘true roadster’ cousin and did not handle any worse than it did. The sold example was praised for its superb condition and having only 42,000 kilometers (26,100 miles) under its belt despite being 18 years old.