Why Does the Miata Have Such a Cult-like Following?
If you’re a car enthusiast and have never experienced a Miata first-hand, you might be wondering why it has such a cult-like following. Our 1997 NA generation Miata only has a small four-cylinder engine producing 133-horsepower. Yet to the unsuspecting, there’s a lot more to this car – the sum is truly greater than its parts. Marc, the owner of Z2 Motorsports, and I both have grown to genuinely appreciate Miata’s, and both race them with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Below is a picture of Dave’s 1994 NA Miata, the same generation as the project rebuild.
When we tell others how the car has a surprisingly large following, and not just from people looking at a relatively inexpensive car, they often are in disbelief. You might be familiar with the ultra-high end sports car manufacturer Koenigsegg that has three cars in production starting at a mere $1.9 million. The Jesko Absolut price tag is pictured below is approximately $3.4 million.
Even we must admit that we were shocked to hear Koenigsegg’s CEO and founder Chrisitan von Koenigsegg not only owns a 1992 Miata, but when he was asked “what car would you put your last take of gas in?” His answer was “I have my Mazda Miata from when I was 19 years old,” Koenigsegg said. “I drive it mostly during the summers, but still every week more or less, and I would put the fuel in that car.”
You know Jay Leno and how avid of a car collector he is? He has a 1996 Mazda Miata among his car collection. In the below video he talks about the car, meets with the original designers of the car, and provides his perspective on driving one. It’s a pretty awesome video and provides a nice perspective!
Who would have guessed at the time the Miata was being designed and introduced, it would become the best-selling two-seat sports car and the most raced car in the world?!
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