Car News

Mazda Restoring Original Miatas

If you've ever wanted a brand new 1990 Mazda MX-5, then Mazda has some great news. If you live in Japan, at least. The company is starting an official restoration and parts program for the car.

Beginning next year, Mazda owners will be able to have their first-generation Eunos Roadsters - the Japanese name for the model - restored at a factory classic centre. The work can be customized for each customer and car, but the end result will be a car that is as close to new as possible.

It's not a new idea to offer factory restorations. Nissan was one of the first, with their 240Z program in 1996. Now many luxury brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Jaguar have factory restoration programs of their own. But the Mazda version might be the most obtainable of the factory restored cars.

As part of the program, Mazda is also going to launch a line of factory parts to help owners restore, refresh, or upgrade their own cars. It will start with a re-launch of the original Bridgestone SF-325 tires that came on the car. Those will be followed up by Nardi wood steering wheels and shift knobs, as well as original soft tops.

If the program is successful and demand is high, watch for it to expand. Possibly to North America or to newer models, as well as more new-old parts. The launch of the new parts is scheduled for early next year.