Behold: The 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition
Let’s talk about a gem from the past—the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata that’s determined to stand out from the crowd. Picture this: only 3,000 Special Edition models hit the road that year, and one ended up in the loving hands of its current owner, all the way from Florida and Missouri, thanks to a stopover in October 2021 from BaT.
The Basics
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.8-liter inline-four paired with a stick (yes, a six-speed manual transmission), all packaged in a shade that screams “British Racing Green”—the kind that could give even a Volvo C70 a run for its money. Inside, it’s all about that tan leather vibe. And this beauty isn’t just a pretty face—it rolls on 16″ alloy wheels and sports a tan soft top. There’s also a limited-slip differential, fog lights to cut through the haze, and a wood-trimmed Nardi steering wheel that whispers sophistication.
Maintenance and Care
The owner didn’t just let it sit pretty in the driveway. Oh no, they got to work: new tires, seats re-trimmed, and a brand-new soft top. It’s got the air conditioning essentials for those sunny escapades and a Bose sound system to keep the tunes going. Ready for its new chapter, it’s here with an owner’s manual, car cover, and a clean Nebraska title.
The NB Miata made waves back in 1999 with its updated look—hello wider bodywork and fixed headlamps!
Design and Specifications
This Miata isn’t just about travel nostalgia. The Special Edition badges it wears aren’t just for show; they’re a testament to its legacy. Every car in this series was dressed in British Racing Green. Shiny perks? A polished fuel-filler cap and a Robbins-replaced tan soft top. Not to forget, there are fog lights, a power antenna, and mirror caps adding to its allure.
It’s seen some love with a repaint on the front and rear bumpers and a few dent repairs. Embrace the imperfections folks, some scratches add character after all.
Fun fact: When it debuted, the NB Miata model was to Mazda what the Jaguar is to the luxe car world.
Performance and Interior
Performance minds, listen up! This sweetheart rides on polished 16″ five-spoke alloy wheels, sporting crisp General G-Max tires since 2022—with power steering for that smooth maneuver and four-wheel discs featuring snazzy yellow calipers for braking.
Step inside, and you’ll find bucket seats in fine tan leather, spruced up under the current owner’s watch. There’s a wooden parking brake handle, a chilled Nardi shift knob, and creature comforts like a robust Bose system, air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows.
As the cherry on top, a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel frames the dashboard—a speedometer going up to 150 mph, a tachometer with a spirited 7k-rpm redline, plus gauges to keep you informed on oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level.
The Odometer Mystery
The digital odometer reads 61k miles, and sure, about 9k of those were added by the current owner. But here’s a twist: the Carfax report flags a “mile mystery” from August 2014—and the word on the street is it “might just be a clerical error.” So, the exact miles? Up in the air!
When talking power under this hood, it’s 142 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque from the 1.8-liter DOHC inline-four. Plus, note the replacement battery from 2022 and a Fumoto oil drain valve addition.
The Drivetrain
This beauty transmits power to the rear wheels, primarily thanks to the six-speed manual transmission paired with a Torsen limited-slip differential—a setup that’s all about keeping it sporty on the roads.
And if you’re wondering about the Carfax report, yes, it does reiterate that mileage anomaly. But hey, aren’t mysteries a part of every legendary car’s story?
