It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? For 35 years, the Mazda MX-5 has soldiered on. Through recessions, through the move away from convertibles and rear-wheel-drive, through the onslaught of EVs and hybrids the plucky, lightweight, topless, small-wheeled, two-seater has borne a cult like few other cars — both past and present — can claim. In that light, Mazda is celebrating the decades this car has done service by releasing a 35th Anniversary Edition.
The Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is the setting Mazda chose to reveal their latest take on the roadster; the MX-5 Cup one-make race runs there and there a few better settings for a roadster than a beach in Florida, wouldn’t you agree?
Based on the top-spec GT model, the 35th Anniversary comes in a single colour: Artisan Red Metallic. If that colour sounds familiar, it’s because it was the star colour of the CX-90 crossover when it debuted in 2023 for the ’24 model year. On the MX-5, it contrasts with a beige soft top as well as bright 17-inch wheels. Buyers can also add an optional rear spoiler and a serial number stamped right there on the front fender.
Inside, the beige tops is matched with beige Nappa leather seats and carpeting, while the seats get a 35th Anniversary Logo embossed on the headrests. They’ve splashed some Artisan Red inside as well in places we’ve seen colour-matched paint before, that is to say the upper door panels and AC vent trim.
It makes the same power as the standard MX-5 – 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque – and there’s also Bilstein dampers, shock tower brace and an asymmetric limited-slip rear differential.
Just 230 of these will be made, so to all you MX-5 enthusiasts out there: hop to it!