Sold for £1,850
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: L522 MUX
Chassis No: NA8C107338
MOT: October 2025
In a world of increasingly complex motor cars, it is refreshing to note that the remarkably conventional four-cylinder, front-engined, rear-wheel drive MX-5 is the best-selling open-topped two-seater in history – by February, 2011, some 900,000 examples had been sold around the world since the model's introduction at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show. Time and again, the motoring press have extolled its handling and road-holding virtues, frequently finding it more fun to drive than cars costing even four times as much. While it is heartening to appreciate that the DNA of such classic British stalwarts as the MGB, Austin-Healey Sprite, and Lotus Elan is embodied in this Japanese wonder car, it is surely also a little sad to consider what an opportunity was missed by the British motor industry. Nowadays, first-generation MX-5s have become desirable cars.
Evidently the recipient of one or two upgrades, this MX-5 was the pet project of MX-5 specialist Paul Sheard, who imported it in 2002 and turned it into a ‘track day toy’, for which purpose the vendor has enjoyed it since 2009. Sheard’s modifications include bucket seats and race harnesses, high-temperature brake fluid and hardened brake pads, uprated suspension and tracking, and a replacement 1.8-litre VTEC engine and six-speed gearbox.
The vendor has campaigned the MX-5 extensively, especially with the Sporting Bears club. It has been driven hard at Silverstone, Donington, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park, Anglesey, Aintree, Castle Combe, Croft and the former Top Gear track, although the vendor has not resumed track days since lockdown. The car has still been maintained, however, and in 2022 it received new brake discs and some bodywork repairs from Paul Sheard, and a full service in 2023, also from Sheard, although the vendor advises that the immobiliser does not work. Paperwork includes a workshop manual, many MOTs (current valid until October), numerous invoices for upgrades and servicing, the current V5C, three sets of keys, a fitted cover and a CTEK battery conditioner. Even at 31 years old, this car promises so much more fun than any brand-new sports car could, and for a fraction of the price, too.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452
Auction: Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire, 30th Jul, 2025
An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held in the beautiful surrounds of the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire.Venue Details
To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click here: Enter Your Classic Motorcar
All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.
To join the auction in person or via the telephone, please click here for more information How to BidTo take part in online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page or bid through our auction partners Saleroom.com Saleroom
Viewing
Tues 29th July from 12pm
Wed 30th July from 9am
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
Do you have an item to sell?
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035