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RECOGNITION as “a quality car that has a great, fun to drive personality and has a cheerful character.”

That from Tom Matano, the brilliant Mazda designer when speaking in respect to his favourite child, the world’s best-selling roadster.

Matano, who passed away in September of 2025 at age 77, designed good cars. But only two greats made his personal garage; the FD RX-7 … and the diminutive, perfectly proportioned NA MX-5 that was shown to the world in 1989.

When Matano came to NZ he found delight in how well his baby acquitted on our roads. It was he said, as if they were destined to be together.

As a motorsport nut, he would perhaps be delighted to know that this evergreen gem is doing just as well on NZ’s race tracks. 

As it should: Lightweight construction, rear wheel drive, a factory fitted 'limited slip' differential an almost 50:50 front to rear weight split – all ideal for motorsport.

MX-5 has spanned four distinct generations. Like Matano, MX-5 Heritage Cup favours the original form ‘pop-up’ headlamp model. 

All these years on, the zippy, nippy spirit still shines bright and, just as importantly, it continues as a pole-setter for cost-effective racing. 

Donor cars are plentiful, parts are cheap, but racing is also easy on the pocket: A roll cage, of course, and GAZ competition shock absorbers and springs, along with competition brake pads, are the big add-ins. 

Great corner speed and handling were already included. Easy to drive, hard to break. Effete? No way. Matano and his cohorts designed a tough car.  It’s also thrifty.

All in all, assuredly the best value motor racing class. So come join the fun!