There was a time when first-generation Mazda Miatas weren’t expensive. Even low-mileage examples, such as this 30,000-mile 1990 on Craigslist, were some of the cheapest fun-to-drive cars out there.
But then something happened. A few years ago, the collective car world decided that instead of being the butt of every joke, the Miata was actually a great driver’s car and an even better platform to modify—since then, prices have spiked.
READ MORE: Our Original 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata Road Test
Built as an homage to the ridiculously light and fun-to-drive Lotus Elan of the ’60s, the Miata was unveiled in 1989 at the Chicago auto show. Early cars were sold as 1990 models, weighed a paltry 2100 pounds, and were propelled by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 115 horsepower (until 1994, when the 1.6 was replaced with a slightly stronger 1.8-liter).
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This ’90 is being sold by the original owner and comes with extensive documentation and service records. While there’s no doubt that the NA Miatas, even the 1.6 models, are a blast, buyers more interested in a driver than a collectible would probably be better served by a similarly priced, and much quicker, NC model (or the brand-new ND if you can swing it). For collectors, though, ultraclean, low-miles early cars like this example will be the most desired.
