MAUZDA
1994 Mazda Miata MX-5, M Edition
The "MAUZDA"
I had yet to own a convertible. So, why not try a roadster? There's comes a point in one's life, wherein you begin to think...I really don't ever want to say, "I wish I would have....". In May of 2018, I scratched that itch.
October 2020
October 2020
Purchased "as-is" in Mingo, Iowa. The previous owner had the car for 12 years and only put on 7000 miles. We received her with 95,400 miles.
Very original condition. Other than an aftermarket radio, no identified mods at the time of purchase.
5/12/18 - Day of purchase. Dusty from gravel road. Paint on trunk lid and hood was swirled from either too much wax or poor surface maintenance. She needed a buff and wax.
Right hide-away headlight did not align with the hood. Suspected possible punch in the nose. Little did we know that the fix was SUPER easy.
Clearly, not an issue in the garage. This is truly a "street legal go cart".
5/13/18 - FIRST BATH! I did not get a before pic of the soft top. It was dirty from improper care. After 4 scrubs, the difference was noticeable.
While hard to see in this picture, the trunk lid and hood had swirls and ghosting. I was not sure if I could get these out of the clear coat. This is the "before" point of reference.
After testing which cleaning material would work without paint damage, I settled in Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner on a buffing wheel, followed by a coat if Meguiar's Tech II wax with an orbital buffer and hand finish.
Here's the "after" point of reference.
5/13/18 - First bath.
5/13/18 - First bath.
5/13/18 - Now that she's clean, let's take her for spin!
No windsheild.
New windsheild.
Motor Box - Before.
Motor Box - After
6/13/18 - Ford & Garland was able to sneak me in for a stereo upgrade. The old, after market, Sony POS was not cutting it.
6/13/18 - Power Amp? How'd they get that stuffed up there. DELETED!
6/13/18 - New tech! Kenwood head unit with Blue Tooth. Properly wired and placed headrest speakers, upgraded door speakers. SWEET!!
Restoration / Repair / Updates.
5/13/18 - Buff & Wax exterior. Scrub soft top. Clean interior.
5/20/18 - Trunk detail. Vac motor box (found 2 mouse nests and 1 mouse mummy).
5/20/18 - Replace headrest speakers.
5/24/18 - Windshield replacement.
5/26/18 - Scrub / condition soft top.
5/27/18 - Motor box detail. New dip stick (original had a lost it's top).
5/30/18 - Power antenna mast repair (this was an unexpected challenge).
6/8/18 - Replace all shocks & struts (much improved ride).
6/8/18 - 4 wheel alignment.
6/8/18 - Replace Cam Position Sensor O-ring (leaking).
6/8/18 - Repair / Replace Clutch Slave Cylinder (leaking).
6/8/18 - Replace Catalytic Converter (dead and rattling).
6/8/18 - Find and repair heat shield rattles.
6/8/18 - Remove mouse nest from intake air box. Install new air filter (was completely full).
6/8/18 - Complete inspection.
6/13/18 - Replace sound system (WE HAVE TUNES THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR).
8/22/19 - Replace Timing Belt, New Water Pump, Belts, Valve Cover Gasket Set, Camshaft Seal (front), Thermostat Housing Gasket.
4/15/21 - New battery.
4/19/21 - Instrument cluster hood replacement.
4/20/21 - Passenger seat repair.
7/21/21 - Replace Clutch Master & Slave Cylinders.
History
The Mazda Miata, MX-5, "M Edition" series was issued by Mazda USA exclusively for the US market. This series was produced during the model years of 1994 through 1997 and only for the "NA" model. Each M Edition was produced in limited numbers with special paint colors and other exclusive features. Each M Edition was unique to each model year. They were not available in the regular line up of offerings.
The M Edition series of vehicles are very desirable and sought after by Miata enthusiasts. Searching for a low mileage, clean, M Edition and finding one, is, to many, like finding the Miata Holy Grail. (I had no idea!)
The 1994 M Edition was produced in Montego Blue Mica (color code M8) with tan leather interior, tan boot, and tan top. The paint color will seem to change from blue to green to purple in different light conditions. This particular Miata has been called "the Miata chameleon".
Special Features
Nardi wood shift knob and hand brake handle.
Polished 7 spoke alloy wheels with locks.
Air conditioning.
Stainless M Edition sill plates,.
M Edition custom mats.
M Edition key ring/badge/lapel pin gift set.
Includes all A and B package options which included:
Power steering.
Leather wrapped steering wheel.
Power mirrors.
Torsen limited slip differential.
Cruise control.
Power windows.
Headrest speakers.
Power antenna.
Production: 3,000 cars were produced.
Base MSRP: $21,250.00 plus $395.00 (later $425.00) freight, plus options.
No specific M Edition showroom brochure was produced. The magazine ad was one of the only print promotional pieces produced for the model.