Mazda revealed its 30th Anniversary Edition Mazda MX-5 Miata at the Chicago Auto Show this year. Clad in Racing Orange, Mazda returned to the Miata’s roots where it was initially revealed 30 years ago.
Chicago was thrilled to host this epic model and chronicle its history through a display of how the Miata has evolved over the years. Over one million Miatas are on the road to date.
The fad has turned into a following for Mazda. The MX-5 Miata has become more than a model, it’s a mode of memories laden with racing in its DNA.
Mazda recognized this fact by inviting some well-known Miata clubs to the global unveiling, like the Windy City Miata Club. Its members rubbed elbows with press at a special evening event sponsored by Mazda and attended the reveal.
I happened to land next to Kyle Jana of the Windy City Miata Club and his enthusiasm for his Miatas runs deep. Hitting the road and finding, rather than directing, where it takes him defines his love of autos. Encountering another like-minded soul with a deep-seeded admiration of all that rides on wheels was terrific! We both agreed that the people make the difference at events like the Chicago Auto Show and the launch of the 30th Anniversary Edition gave Mazda a reason to invite fans from across the country.
Making cars personal drives clubs like Windy City and others to unite. Each brand weaves a common thread that fans can relate to and group road trips, monthly meetings and just talking cars enriches the lives of those who take part. More than 22,000 fans make up the over 100 Mazda Miata clubs across America.
Photos courtesy of Kyle Jana
Kyle got to meet the designer of the original Miata, Tom Matano. “He signed my hat for me “always inspired” AMAZING. I have seen plenty of articles about him over the years and even saw him on Jay Leno’s Garage. It was a real pleasure to meet him. The designer of the car that I love.”
Masahiro Moro, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations and Bob Hall, fellow contributor to the original Miata, flanked Tom at the reveal as well.
With only 3000 30th Anniversary models to be produced worldwide, the 500 slated for the United States sold out within four hours according to Mazda, 100 of those in just 15 minutes. Delivering over the summer, they will be 60% soft top, 40% RF (retractable hard-top) with a starting MSRP of $34, 995. It will sport forged aluminum wheels customized for the MX-5 by Rays Co., Ltd. and 30th Anniversary badging that includes the serial number.
“Our Miata fans are truly remarkable. We are humbled by their devotion to our joyful roadster,” Moro stated. “Our goal, as always, is to pay tribute to the important people and fans that have been part of the Miata’s incredible journey.”
Whether you’re a Miata fan or not, its easy to see that this small wonder has stolen the hearts of its fans everywhere for the last 30 years.
It’s written all over the faces of their fans.
*Title photo courtesy of Mazda
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