Mazda MX-5 Automatic

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There’s something telling in the fact that it took a Japanese manufacturer to revive the small British roadster, but that’s essentially what the Hiroshima-built Mazda MX5 was and is – the heir to the MG Midget and the Lotus Elan.

Launched in 1989 at the Chicago Motor Show, everyone immediately realised this and the little car became a classic almost overnight. Nimble, quick and 100% reliable, it won fans right across the globe.

From the outset, the MX5 was designed to deliver a seat-of-the-pants driving experience, unencumbered by any unnecessary weight or mechanical complexity. With a steel body and alloy bonnet, it was powered by a fuel-injected 1.6-litre dohc engine, mated to a five-speed gearbox. With 120bhp, the little car could dash to 60 in 9.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 120mph.

With perfect 50:50 weight distribution and independent double-wishbone suspension all round, it could be thrown around on track days. However, with its no-nonsense, untemperamental mechanicals, it was just as happy playing the role of the day-to-day city runaround.

Steadily developed over time and still in production today, the MX5 has got bigger and heavier as it has aged (much like some of its owners) and although it is still a fine car, to many the pop-up headlight original is the purest and most iconic of the breed. Still enjoying huge popularity and dedicated club support, enthusiasm keeps values buoyant, while a plentiful supply of sound cars and spare parts keeps them realistic.

This 1991-manufactured car was imported into the UK in 2004 (badged as a Mazda Eunos). Like its mechanical layout, its green with tan leather colour scheme evokes the British roadsters of old, although the CD player (with speakers built into the headrests) and electric windows offer a few more comforts than an original Elan Sprint might. This car also features an automatic transmission, offering slightly gentler but still wind-in-the-hair motoring.

MOTd until June 2015 and now with 121,400 miles under its wheels, this car has been owned and driven by the director of the Stondon Motor Museum for the last three years. With a fair few motors at his disposal, it says something about the appeal of the MX5 that it has been his chariot of choice.