The Mazda NA Miata, first introduced in 1989, quickly became one of the most beloved sports cars of all time. While the standard Miata was already an instant classic, the limited-production special editions took the car’s appeal to another level. With unique features, rare colors, and occasional performance enhancements, these special edition Miatas have become highly sought after by collectors. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the most iconic NA Miata special editions, examining what makes each one stand out.
Contents
One of the most iconic early special editions is the 1991 British Racing Green (BRG) Miata. Mazda’s first attempt at offering a premium version of the roadster, this model was produced in limited numbers 3,997 units for the U.S. and 1,051 for Canada. The standout feature was its beautiful British Racing Green paint, paired with a black soft top (with an optional hardtop available). Inside, the BRG edition offered a tan leather interior with classic touches like a wooden Nardi shift knob and handbrake lever. These wood-grain elements gave the car a touch of sophistication, something that set it apart from the more utilitarian feel of the standard models.
Mechanically, the BRG came with the same 1.6L engine found in regular Miatas, but what made this edition special was the attention to comfort and convenience. It came equipped with features like air conditioning, cruise control, headrest speakers, and even a CD player a luxury for the time. The blend of the green exterior, tan leather interior, and wooden accents made this model one of the most desirable early special editions, and its rarity only adds to its appeal.
If you’re looking for a Miata that grabs attention, the 1992 Sunburst Yellow edition is a perfect choice. With only 1,519 units made for the U.S. and 503 for Canada, it’s one of the rarest NA Miatas ever produced. What sets this model apart is its striking Sunburst Yellow paint, a bold, eye-catching color that truly stands out on the road. This edition didn’t come loaded with luxury features; in fact, it was a fairly basic package with manual windows and mirrors, but that only adds to its charm for purists.
The Sunburst Yellow Miata epitomizes the “no-frills” driving experience that made the NA Miata so popular in the first place. With the same 1.6L engine as the standard version, it didn’t need additional power to win over enthusiasts. Its value lies in its rarity and the vibrant, attention-grabbing color. Today, clean examples of this edition are highly collectible, often fetching a premium due to the limited production numbers.
The 1992 Black & Tan Miata is often regarded as one of the most stylish combinations ever produced. Mazda opted for a sleek Brilliant Black exterior paired with a tan leather interior, creating an elegant contrast that gives this edition a more premium look. Mazda produced 4,625 units for the U.S. market, making it less rare than the Sunburst Yellow but still highly desirable due to its luxurious feel.
In addition to the tan leather seats, the Black & Tan edition featured a Nardi wooden shift knob and handbrake lever, adding an extra touch of class to the cockpit. It also came equipped with 14-inch BBS basketweave wheels, which are now highly sought after by Miata enthusiasts. These lightweight wheels not only looked great but also enhanced the car’s performance by reducing unsprung weight, making it more agile. On top of that, this edition came fully loaded with power windows, power mirrors, and air conditioning, making it a more comfortable choice for those who wanted a Miata with a few more creature comforts.
Mazda upped the ante with the 1993 Limited Edition (LE) Miata, which stands out not just for its exterior but also for its bold interior. The exterior was finished in Brilliant Black, but it’s the inside that truly makes this model memorable bright red leather seats and matching red trim on the dashboard and doors made the LE one of the most visually striking special editions ever produced. Mazda only made 1,505 units for the U.S., with an additional 300 for Canada, ensuring its status as a rare collectible.
In terms of performance, the LE didn’t disappoint. It came with sport suspension, Bilstein shocks, and front and rear spoilers, giving it a more aggressive look and improved handling. The 14-inch BBS wheels added a sporty touch, complementing the overall performance-focused upgrades. The combination of a bold red interior, premium features, and enhanced performance makes the 1993 LE one of the most sought-after NA Miatas among enthusiasts and collectors.
The 1994 M-Edition Miata introduced the world to the stunning Montego Blue Mica paint, a color that gave the car a more refined and upscale appearance. Mazda produced 3,000 units for the U.S. market, and this edition marked the first year of the 1.8L engine, offering a slight bump in performance over previous models. This engine, combined with a Torsen limited-slip differential, improved the car’s handling and made it more fun to drive, especially for those who enjoy spirited driving on twisty roads.
Inside, the 1994 M-Edition was equipped with tan leather seats, stainless steel door sills, and a Nardi shift knob, giving the interior a luxurious feel. It also came with power windows, power mirrors, and a premium audio system, making it one of the more comfortable and well-appointed special editions. With its unique color and enhanced performance, the 1994 M-Edition remains a favorite among Miata enthusiasts and collectors.
For those who prioritize performance over luxury, the 1994-1997 R-Package Miata was the ultimate choice. Designed for racing enthusiasts, this special edition stripped away many of the comfort features found in other models, focusing instead on delivering the purest driving experience possible. Only 1,841 units were produced, making it one of the more rare and specialized NA Miata editions.
The R-Package came equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, and a sport suspension, giving it superior handling capabilities. Mazda also included stiffer sway bars, a front air dam, and a rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. Unlike other editions, the R-Package had no power steering, no leather seats, and no automatic transmission option, keeping the car lightweight and track-focused. This minimalistic approach has made the R-Package a favorite among autocross and track-day enthusiasts, who appreciate its no-nonsense, performance-oriented design.
The 1995 M-Edition took the luxury approach to the next level, introducing the rich and sophisticated Merlot Mica paint. Mazda produced 3,500 units for the U.S. market, and this edition was all about luxury. The interior featured tan leather seats, but this time with adjustable headrests, a rare feature that makes this model particularly desirable today.
The 1995 M-Edition also came with 15-inch BBS wheels, which were larger than those found on previous special editions, adding both style and improved handling. The combination of the deep Merlot Mica color, tan leather interior, and premium features made this edition a standout. It’s now one of the more collectible NA Miatas, often fetching higher prices due to its unique color and luxurious features.
Mazda continued the tradition of offering exclusive colors with the 1996 M-Edition, which came in a beautiful Starlight Blue Mica. This darker, more sophisticated shade gave the Miata a classy, understated look. Like the previous M-Editions, it was limited to 3,000 units and came fully loaded with premium features.
The 1996 M-Edition was equipped with 15-inch Enkei wheels, although these were heavier than the BBS wheels found on previous editions. Despite this, the car remained desirable due to its premium features, which included an alarm system and a well-appointed interior. The combination of a unique color and a luxurious feature set makes this edition another collectible gem in the NA Miata lineup.
The final M-Edition of the NA Miata generation, produced in 1997, came in a stunning Marina Green Mica color. This shade was slightly darker than British Racing Green but had a metallic sheen that set it apart. Mazda produced 3,000 units of this edition, making it both rare and highly desirable.
The 1997 M-Edition came with polished six-spoke Enkei wheels, adding a modern touch to the car’s exterior. As with previous M-Editions, this model was fully loaded with all the premium features buyers had come to expect, including tan leather seats and a well-equipped interior. The Marina Green Mica edition is one of the most luxurious and collectible NA Miatas, making it a fitting end to the M-Edition line.
The 1997 Special Touring Option (STO) edition was Mazda’s farewell to the NA Miata generation. Nicknamed “Still The One,” the STO was limited to 1,500 units and came in a unique Twilight Blue Mica color. However, unlike other special editions, the STO lacked many premium features. There was no Torsen differential, no cruise control, and no premium stereo or hardtop option, leading some enthusiasts to jokingly refer to it as “Stuff Taken Off.”
Despite these omissions, the STO’s rarity and distinctive color make it a valuable edition for collectors. It marked the end of an era for the NA Miata, and its place in Miata history is secured by its unique offering in the final year of production.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.