Words like “rare” and “Mazda MX-5 Miata” don’t usually belong in the same sentence as everyone knows the Japanese sports car is the world’s best-selling roadster.
Over the years, however, there have been some rare Miatas, especially in Japan where customers have a big appetite for special edition models. This red 2004 MX-5 Miata Roadster Coupe listed on Pistonheads is one of only 179 of its kind made for the Japanese market — where the MX-5 Miata is called simply Roadster.
Benefiting from input from Mazda’s Engineering and Technology team, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe handles even better than the soft-top model as the metal roof improves chassis rigidity and aerodynamic performance. There’s only a minor downside to the fixed top and that’s the fact that it adds 10 kg (22 lbs) to the car’s weight.
Mazda offered the Roadster Coupe in four trim levels for the NB generation: one featuring a 1.6-liter engine and three with the 1.8-liter engine. This particular car is one of 63 Type S models, which indicates it’s powered by a 158hp 1.8-liter engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The seller says the car has been subjected to a total restoration including new paint and “numerous new parts inside out to make it as close to a brand new car as possible.” It comes complete with full service history and documented restoration work. It looks spot on and it covered just under 48,000 km (30,000 miles) from new. If you’re interested, the car is located in Hong Kong but can be shipped worldwide.
Needless to say, this is an incredibly rare and highly valued Mazda MX-5 NB among enthusiasts so chances are it will shoot up in value in the coming years. Right now, it’s listed for HK$298,000 (about $38,000).