Registration - P423 PUG

Chassis No. - JMZNA18P200309338

M.O.T. - November 2025

Odometer - 33,000

photographs coming shortly

Sumptuous in Vin Rouge Mica paintwork, this example of Mazda’s MX5 is the limited run Merlot edition; the convertible featuring this unique and lustrous body colour, presented over grey leather interior. Powered by the 1.8i engine of the standard MkI Mazda MX-5, the Merlot edition also used the same five-speed manual gearbox - the pairing going on to put Mazda’s roadster into legend. Distinct features include 15-spoke alloys, the touched leather upholstery with burgundy-coloured piping, wood effect dashboard, wooden gear knob and handbrake, rear mud guards, CD stereo, immobiliser, and Merlot badging. Just 600 models were produced, and features include central locking, electric windows, stainless steel kick plates, original Clarion stereo, original cotton Mazda car cover, and wind deflector.

‘P423 PUG’ is offered for sale with an extremely low indicated mileage at just 33,000 miles on the odometer. It’s presented as a highly original model, with one owner from new until December of 2023, having covered 32,000 miles to that point. That owner was a now retired engineer, who cherished ‘P423 PUG’, an attitude that the current owner has clearly continued. The alloys are described as unmarked by the vendor, as is the upholstery. It is described as never having been repainted or welded, and feature a fully documented service and MOT history, including cam belt change in 2020. Originally ordered from JCT Leeds, ‘P423 PUG’ comes with original owners brochure and book pack, and has been professionally detailed and ceramic coated. As such, the owner unsurprisingly rates this MX-5 as ‘excellent’ across the board, covering engine, transmission, electrics, bodywork, paintwork, and interior.

• Limited edition Merlot specification - one of just 600 models
• Highly original condition
• Sought after clean MkI Mazda MX-5

Inspired by post-war British roadsters - at a time when practically nobody else was making them - Mazda launched its MX-5 in 1989, to instant acclaim. Named the Eunos Roadster in Japan and Miata in the US, the MX-5 - by whichever name it is known - has gone on to become one of the most influential cars in history, restarting the compact, open-top sportscar market almost singlehandedly. The first-generation model stuck with the simple front engine, rear wheel drive, two-seater convertible configuration, though a hard-top was offered as an optional extra. In the UK, it was powered by a 1.8-litre engine, but other parts of the world also had a 1.6-litre motor, or 2.0-litre engine. An automatic was offered in certain markets, but the MX-5 is a car that deserves to be driven and as such, it is the five-speed manuals that are most popular. The first-generation model was produced until 1997, when it was replaced by the Mark II (NB) model.

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