Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition revealed

Like we said it would in December, Mazda Australia has confirmed it will offer just 30 examples of a new special-edition Mazda MX-5 designed to celebrate 30 years of the world’s top-selling roadster.

First deliveries are due in the second half of this year and all local examples will be based on the 2.0-litre Roadster GT soft-top, although a retractable hard-top (RF) version will be available overseas.

Pricing is yet to be announced and the new model “will be offered to Mazda’s loyal MX-5 customers on a first come first served basis, communicated via eDM [electronic direct marketing]”, says Mazda Australia.

The current (fourth-generation) Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT is priced from $39,400 (plus ORCs) when fitted with the 135kW/205Nm 2.0-litre engine, so expect a price premium over that.

Making its world debut overnight at the Chicago motor show – where the original MX-5 made its global debut on February 9 1989 -- the commemorative MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition will be limited to 3000 units worldwide.

In addition to exclusive new Racing Orange paint, the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition features specially developed forged alloy wheels (RAYS ZE40 RS30) and a specially numbered 30th Anniversary build plate.

The new exterior paint scheme is complimented inside and out by orange brake callipers, vent surrounds, seat piping and stitching, steering wheel stitching, door trim stitching, dashboard decoration panel stitching, and shift/parking lever stitching.

Other extras include Alcantara cladding for the door trims, dashboard panel and seat centre, plus Recaro seats and Bilstein dampers. Naturally, it will also feature the new standard features introduced across the range when the MX-5 line-up was streamlined last September, such as low-speed autonomous emergency braking.

Like the 10th, 20th and 25thAnniversary versions of the Mazda MX-5, which notched up a million sales in 2016, the 30th Anniversary special therefore gains unique design and engineering elements “aimed at strengthening our bond with MX-5 fans”.

The 10th anniversary was marked by Innocent Blue Mica paint, while Aurora Blue Mica, True Red and Crystal White Pearl Mica were introduced for the 20th anniversary, and Soul Red Premium Metallic marked the 25th anniversary and the last of the third-generation MX-5.

“For us, the MX-5’s three-decade history means more than just a record-setting period of time,” said Mazda.

“Rather, it is the culmination of the inspiration -- and perspiration -- of so many people…

“The passionate Mazda engineers who created the first-generation MX-5 as an homage to the earlier lightweight European sports cars that excited motor sports fans worldwide; succeeding development engineers who took up the challenge to build on the high ambitions of their predecessors; and the unshakeable support of owners and fans all over the world.”