In a dazzling bright red is Oxford’s Mazda MX-5 Mk 1 with its roof down.

The Japanese motor manufacturing company launched the Mazda MX-5 as a lightweight, two –person sports car in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show at a time when small ‘roadsters’ had virtually disappeared, so it was an instant hit and has remained so ever since, earning it the accolade of the best selling two-seat convertible sports car in sports car history.  The Mk 1 sold 228,961 models between 1989 and 1997 when it was superseded by the Mk II. Assembled in Japan at the Mazda Hiroshima Plant, the Mk1 came with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive and a Mazda N Platform. Initially, it featured a 1.6L inline-four-engine, 116 hp. In late 1993 a larger 1.8 litre engine was introduced. Each generation carried a two letter identification, the Mk 1 being NA. Pop-up headlights were unique to the NA (Mk 1) and it also had slim chrome door handles reminiscent of early British roadsters. Neither power steering nor power brakes were issued on the base models to keep both the weight and the price down.  A 5-speed manual transmission was standard but the car had an option of a 4-speed automatic as well.

Against this background, our 1:76 scale replica has all the physical features of the real thing.  Registered H109 XGH from 1990, The interior is clearly visible and sports oyster coloured seating and door panels with a black dashboard, floor and steering wheel. The exterior trim is black; wheels silver with black centres and the rear lights are orange with red indicators featuring silver centres. A final detail includes the MX-5 and Mazda name above the rear number plate.