Mazda MX-5

FEW CARS IN HISTORY have enjoyed the enduring success of the Mazda MX-5. First shown at the Chicago Motor Show in early 1989, production began in mid-1989 and by the end of the year the fresh, clean design had caused a ruckus of fanfare in its first three markets: USA, Japan and Australia.

Looking back, now, it seems obvious the first generation Mazda MX-5 was assured success: It was the first fresh simple, light, affordable, no bullshit drop-top roadster/sports car the world had seen in more than a decade.

But the MX-5 could have easily disappeared almost without a trace… it could have been the answer to a question that nobody asked; a car that no-one wanted. After all, the market for simple, light roadster/sports cars - from (mostly) British and Italian manufacturers had all but disappeared earlier in the decade.

There were other factors, too. By the