04 April 2022
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Mini GT Mazda Miata MX-5 (LHD) & Eunos Roadster (RHD)
PRICE: £12.59 each
REF: MGT00288-L & MGT00298-R
SCALE: 1/64
When the Mazda MX-5 burst onto the scene in 1989, at the Chicago Auto Show, who could have predicted how popular this cute little roadster would turn out to be? Now in its fourth generation (since 2015), the 1 million production mark was passed on 22 April 2016, so it will be well beyond that by now.
It was launched at a time when the small roadster had virtually disappeared from car dealership showrooms around the world, so it's easy to see why car purchasers took to this marvellous automobile in droves.
The naming conventions can appear a little confusing, as the car is marketed as the Eunos Roadster in its native Japan (right-hand-drive) and the Mazda MX-5 Miata in North America (left-hand-drive) - and these are the two versions Mini GT has produced. But, of course, we know it in the UK simply as the Mazda MX-5.
With its near perfect front/rear balance, this makes the car really fun to drive - easy to induce oversteer, but just as easy to control. Perfect for track day enthusiasts and amateur racers, as well as being huge fun to drive on the open roads.
Mini GT's marvellous 1/64 scale replica is a real beauty and the black interior is superbly replicated at this scale too (most important with the top down!). Interestingly, there are 'top up' versions currently in production, and these can be pre-ordered now if you're tempted by these too (MGT00361-L and MGT00362-R). These will feature the headlights in 'popped-up' mode, adding extra visual appeal.
It's a cracking little model and, at this price, why not treat yourself to both? For those of us without access to a real one, this could be the next best thing.