The Mazda Miata Miyako package celebrates 20 years of production for the iconic roadster. However, it's unlikely that we'll ever see one, as Mazda's latest special edition model is destined only for the U.K.
For its tenth anniversary in 1999, Mazda draped the Miata in blue, from a Sapphire Blue Mica exterior to a blue/black partial-leather interior with a six-speed manual gearbox. The gift package of matching automotive accoutrements went as far as to include a matching Miata-logo watch and scale model, for owners to better admire their car standing still.
This time, Mazda has given its Miyako anniversary edition the cosmetic enhancements to match the beauty of its namesake, the Japanese island of Miyako-jima. Interested buyers can order a Miata as a hardtop or a softtop, both with standard Aluminum Silver Metallic. (Interested roadster buyers can also opt for no-cost Velocity Red Mica, as shown above.) While both models are generously equipped, Miata Miaykos with the larger, 2.0-liter four cylinder will also be fitted with a limited-slip differential and stability aids as standard.
As for price? The Miyako with a smaller, 1.8-liter four stickers for just under $28,000 (£18,385), while the larger-engined Miyako starts at just over $31,000 (£20,885). Mazda will build just 1000 copies of the special edition car, 500 with soft-tops and 500 with hard-tops.
Although Mazda has no plans to market the Miyako in the United States, the 20th anniversary celebration has been going on since September, when Miata owners were invited to gather at Mazda's proving grounds. This model differs from the blazingly white 20th anniversary edition from last year.
In the past, we've lauded the Miata for its status as a performance car we'd love to live with. We could sure use a "summer special edition" of our own.
Thanks to: Motor Trend