Roadster NR Limited is a celebration of open-top sports
Nods to the past include Artvin red mica paint, tan accents and a woodgrain interior
The Mazda MX-5 – or Roadster – is a cult classic.
It is a precision-engineered and Japanese take on the age-old English sports car, namely the Lotus Elan. It remains unclear why the British have such a strong preference for convertibles, given their weather conditions. However, it is certain that the Japanese improved the sports car.
This example is one of 500 NR Limited models produced, Mazda’s homage to regal roadsters. Its exclusive Artvin metallic paint is stunning and is complemented exceptionally by a unique tan soft top, metal interior inlays, white face gauges and plentiful timber work.
It also ushered in another era of decent, rear-wheel-drive, and reliable sports cars from Japan. This NR Limited model is based on the Roadster S model, which comes from the factory with a six-speed manual and 3.9-ratio differential with TorSen LSD.
It’s geared tight and spins both wheels. As cars continue to grow and become fat, things like the Mazda MX-5 are sticking out as outstanding examples of an unfiltered driving experience.
Raw, willing, and track-friendly, why not start driving more?
The car pictured – 2000 Mazda Roadster NR Limited
This Mazda Roadster was built in February 2000 and is an ‘NR Limited’ trim level. That makes it one of 500 produced.
That means it’s powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder ‘BP-ZE’ engine with 107 kW / 162 Nm. Its official kerb weight is a mere 1030 kg.
The vehicle’s bodywork is original and presents well for its age. There are a couple of small and minor dents on the rear passenger side quarter, likely occurring in a car park. The interior presents well for its age, and it retains all of its unique interior features and accessories. The driver’s side seat bolster shows some wear.
Its original Nardi timber steering wheel is in excellent condition, and its original tan leather seats and soft top are in top condition.
Extra goodies a set of lightweight Prodrive 15-inch wheels, a genuine Racing Bear cat back exahust and a set of KYB Super SR suspension struts. Upon arriving in Australia, the vehicle was serviced and fitted with ne wtyres.
The service history notes a recent timing belt change at 96,000 km. Based on the Roadster S model, it also features a factory six-speed manual and a 3.909 final drive ratio. The differential is also equipped with a TorSen Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).
Factory equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, power steering, dual airbags, central locking and a cup holder.
Quick facts
- 2000 Mazda Roadster NR Limited
- 101,924km
- Limited edition – one of 500 examples produced
- Genuine Prodrive 15-inch wheels
- Genuine Racing Beat cat-back exhaust
- Tan interior, tan soft top & woodgrain interior
- Tan tonneau cover
- Six-speed manual
- Limited slip diff / 3.9 ratio final drive
- Original paint – excellent condition
- High-quality Pioneer single-DIN stereo
- Timing belt replaced @ 96,000km
- Partial service history / service stickers on vehicle
- Recently serviced in Australis with new sway bar end links
- Air conditioning, power steering, central locking
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available to view
- Vehicle comes with three months NSW registration
- Vehicle is complied and comes with an engineering certificate
- Vehicle comes with a NSW roadworthy
When planning the second generation car, it was obvious that the original had managed to keep its charm intact, leading us to change only what was absolutely necessary.Takao Kijima 1st, 2nd & 3rd Generation MX-5 Program Manager
