The Most Expensive Miatas Ever Sold: A Look at Auction Sales

When most people think about the Mazda Miata, also known as the MX-5, they picture an affordable, fun little roadster that’s perfect for weekend getaways and track days. Over the years, though, some of these seemingly humble cars have commanded eyebrow-raising sums at auctions, occasionally vying with classic muscle cars and exotics for top bids. If you’re wondering how a lightweight roadster can justify such a hefty price tag, you’re not alone. Let’s explore the fascinating world of premium Miata sales.

Why Auction Prices Are Rising

One reason Miata prices have been climbing is the rapidly growing enthusiast community. Online forums, social media groups, and clubs have raised awareness about limited-production models and super-clean cars that were once considered too “ordinary” to be collectibles. As NA Miatas, in particular, cross over into “classic” status, well-preserved examples or extremely low-mileage ones have started attracting a lot more attention. The rise of online auction platforms like Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids has also expanded the potential buyer pool. Instead of a small local sale, you now have thousands of people across the country (and sometimes internationally) eager to bid on that pristine or heavily modified Miata.

Record-Breaking Sales and Headline Auctions

One of the most eye-catching numbers ever paid for a Miata at auction is $99,787. This record was set in November 2022 for a 2016 ND Miata transformed by Flyin’ Miata, a shop legendary for high-quality Miata performance modifications. Dropping a 6.2L GM LS3 V8 into a car originally designed for a small inline-four requires extensive upgrades. Typically, these conversions include beefed-up driveline components, enhanced braking systems, improved suspension setups, and upgraded cooling. Flyin’ Miata’s impeccable reputation and thorough documentation gave bidders the confidence to push this sale into near-six-figure territory, showcasing the market’s willingness to pay top dollar for “dream builds” that are equal parts engineering marvel and adrenaline rush.

In June 2024, a bone-stock 1990 NA Miata with a mere 38 miles on the clock sold for $40,500 on Bring a Trailer. It was like stepping into a time machine: this Miata still wore its original Bridgestone tires and had factory chalk marks from the assembly line. The sale topped the previous record for an NA Miata on that platform by $5,500. When adjusted for inflation, the final price wasn’t far off its original MSRP, suggesting that the original owner didn’t exactly strike gold by stashing it away. However, it demonstrated that pristine first-generation Miatas are increasingly coveted by collectors.

Special Editions and Their Market Influence

Starting in 1991, Mazda released annual special editions featuring unique paint colors, like the much-loved British Racing Green, plus premium touches such as leather seating, Nardi steering wheels, and sometimes BBS wheels. Thanks to their relative rarity and stylish upgrades, immaculate examples can occasionally sell for $20,000–$30,000, highlighting how the once-ordinary Miata has earned a place among serious collectibles.

Mazda introduced the 10th Anniversary NB in a memorable shade of Sapphire Blue Mica, paired with a matching blue interior. It was also the first Miata to get a six-speed transmission. Although there were about 7,500 produced worldwide, low-mileage units with minimal modifications can touch the $15,000–$25,000 range. Most, however, hover closer to standard NB prices unless they’re exceptionally preserved.

For the 30th anniversary, Mazda rolled out a striking Racing Orange finish. Certain trims even got Recaro seats with orange accents, forged Rays wheels, and Brembo brakes. Listings sometimes push $50,000–$70,000, although real-world transaction prices typically land around $35,000–$40,000 if the car has more than a few miles on it. Like any modern collectible, demand, mileage, and overall condition ultimately dictate whether it sells for a sky-high amount or something more modest.

Occasionally, you’ll come across one-off regional or dealer-run specials, usually in very small production runs that feature custom colors or upholstery. While these variants don’t typically attract the same buzz as global limited editions, they can still command respectable numbers among dedicated Miata aficionados if they come with solid documentation and low mileage.

The Range of Miata Auctions

It’s not all about sky-high figures. One rough 1995 Eunos Roadster sold for just $1,450 in December 2021, proving there’s still room in the Miata universe for budget-minded enthusiasts who want a project car or a cheap track day toy. This affordability is a major part of the Miata’s enduring popularity.

Across various generations and conditions, the Miata’s average sale price is around $14,648. Outliers, like restomods or time-capsule cars, may soar into the $40,000+ range, but a tidy, well-maintained Miata can still be found for well under $20,000, keeping the overall ownership cost accessible.

Plenty of private sellers slap huge “rare collector car” price tags on their listings, especially if the Miata has some modifications or limited-edition badges. Auctions, however, tend to reveal the actual market sentiment. It’s easier to see what buyers are really willing to pay when bids are open and public, which helps separate dreamers from serious sellers.

What Drives Miata Values Higher?

Low mileage is always a big deal, but even more crucial is the car’s overall preservation. Interiors without fading or cracks, rust-free underbodies, and original paint all significantly boost a Miata’s auction potential. Older Miatas, especially those driven in harsh climates, often develop rust issues, making rust-free examples much more appealing to serious collectors.

Meticulous documentation, including service records, factory build sheets, original window stickers, and authenticity plaques, adds tangible value to a Miata. Buyers want assurance that the car is genuinely stock, a verified limited edition, or that any restorations have been performed correctly.

Certain color combos, special edition trims, or historically significant VINs (like early production runs) attract buyers interested in owning a slice of Miata history. The sense of having something unique, or a “first or last off the line” model, can fuel surprisingly competitive auctions.

When a Miata’s modifications come from a respected source, like Flyin’ Miata, enthusiasts know they’re getting well-engineered, heavily tested upgrades. Similarly, official Mazda-sanctioned or Mazdaspeed parts can boost desirability if installed correctly and with proper supporting documentation.

Noteworthy Auction Highlights and Stories

The $40,500 NA from June 2024 may be the most talked-about example, but other ultra-low-mile NA Miatas have also reached $20,000–$30,000 over the past few years. Each of these sales confirms that there’s a growing market segment eager to pay top dollar for original, museum-like cars.

While American muscle cars and flashy exotics usually dominate these events, Miatas have been making occasional appearances at Barrett-Jackson and Mecum auctions. A beautifully maintained NA in a desirable color combination can sometimes spark a bidding war, reaching over $20,000. Compared to muscle-car money, that might sound modest, but it’s a big leap for a roadster once seen as an “everyman’s sports car.”

In Canada, for example, a 2019 ND2 30th Anniversary RF has been listed at an ambitious $70,000 CAD (around $51,400 USD). While these listings don’t always turn into actual sales, they highlight sellers’ perceptions of rarity and exclusivity. Even if some in the community dismiss such prices as optimistic, they serve as conversation starters about just how far the Miata market can climb.

Smiles per Dollar

The Miata was designed to deliver pure driving joy, from top-down cruising on twisty back roads to weekend track events. Many enthusiasts see it as a travesty to seal up a Miata in a garage as a “time capsule.” Others argue that preserving at least a few impeccable examples for posterity is an important part of celebrating automotive history.

That famous $40,500 NA didn’t actually outpace inflation if you compare it to its original sticker price in 1990. Sometimes, parking a collectible car and waiting for it to appreciate doesn’t deliver life-changing returns, especially once you factor in storage and maintenance. At the end of the day, many Miata owners value the fun factor above pure financial gain.

First-generation Miatas, especially those nearing or surpassing 30 years old, are gaining traction as authentic classics. Mazda also loves commemorating the MX-5, and each new “anniversary” or special variant can drive renewed interest. Another factor on the horizon is electrification: if Mazda eventually turns to hybrid or electric powertrains, pristine gasoline-powered Miatas, particularly the early, analog ones, may become even more desirable.

One of the Miata’s greatest strengths is how it caters to both ends of the collector spectrum. High rollers can chase down an ultra-rare or extensively modified Miata at eye-popping prices, but most used Miatas still hover in the realm of five-figure or even four-figure affordability. It remains one of the most accessible sports cars out there.

Thanks to online auction platforms, it’s become easier and more exciting for prospective buyers (and curious onlookers) to watch rare Miatas go under the hammer. Bidding wars can erupt, driving final prices to levels that would have seemed unimaginable for a little roadster just a decade or two ago.

The most expensive Miatas ever sold prove that the MX-5 can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with more traditionally “prestigious” brands in the collector market. At heart, though, the Miata is still a spirited, people’s sports car that invites everyone to the open road.