My good friend Andrew’s 2002 Titanium Edition NB Roadster. The Mazda Roadster that started it all for me.

Thanks to the generosity of the owner of this car, helped also by a 3 month ‘hiatus’ *cough* from driving, I spent many days (and quite a few nights) behind the wheel of this NB8B. Mainly to, you know, keep the battery charged. MX5’s like to be driven.

Completely stock, this car would happily accompany the S15’s and R33’s of the day along a twisty b-road. The HP deficit was seemingly irrelevant.

However it was the communication from the chassis, through the seat and steering wheel, and the rifle action of the 6 speed box that won me over. From the very first day I drove this car, along Sydney’s New South Head Road, my fate was sealed. There would be an MX5 in my future.