Palm Springs Plaything: 1995 Mazda Miata M Edition 18K Survivor – SOLD!

December 17, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Palm Springs, California is one of those places where you can often find interesting cars with low miles. Often times the cars purchased for duty there are weekend playthings that sporadically get used with the second home that garages them. That’s the vibe we get from this like-new, 18,000 original mile, 1995 Mazda Miata M-Edition originally listed in November 2021 on Craigslist in Palm Springs, California. In addition to the great color combination, we love how this example features a vintage style full tonneau rather than the optional hardtop many of these M Editions came equipped with.

A well-maintained and unmodified survivor, the current owner has it listed for $15,500. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their M-Edition priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $9,900 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $18,300 before factoring in a twenty percent premium for the M-Edition equipment.

For the 1994 model year, the first-generation MX-5 (launched in 1989 as a 1990 model) received a mid-cycle refresh. This update included the introduction of the more powerful 1.8 Liter BP-ZE engine, dual airbags placed in a redesigned dashboard, the addition of a Mazda badge on the front fascia in the US a limited-slip Torsen-style differential in some markets. The chassis was substantially braced to meet new side-impact standards, most visibly by adding a “track bar” between the seatbelt towers inside the car, but also to the front and rear subframes. Also, 1994 and 1995 were the only years in which Mazda offered a light metallic blue paint (Laguna Blue Mica), making these cars rare collectors cars to some. 1994 also saw the introduction of the “R” package, a sport-themed package with Bilstein shocks, stiffer sway bars, retuned springs, subtle front, and rear underbody spoilers, and a Torsen LSD. Air conditioning was optional, but the “R” package was not available with power steering, leather, or automatic transmission. It can also be identified by a red Miata badge on the rear instead of the usual black. No body style changes were made, however.

The new 1.8 Liter engine produced 129 brake horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 110 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. The car’s base weight increased to 2,180 pounds. Performance was thus improved slightly because the additional weight was more than offset by the extra power.

There were a number of trim levels and special editions available, determined by local Mazda marketing departments. In the US, the base model was offered for US$13,995 at launch and was very basic, with manual windows, steel wheels, and without air conditioning or power steering. The “A Package” offered power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum alloy wheels, and cassette stereo. The “B Package” added power windows, along with cruise control and headrest speakers, while the “C Package” included a tan interior and top with leather seats. The “R Package” was for racing, and the annual special editions were formalized as “M Editions”. These included all of the luxury options from the “C Package” as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels.

Limited to 3,500 units, the 1995 M-Edition featured power windows, power mirrors, a Torsen limited-slip differential, special M-Edition badges, full leather upholstery, 15-inch BBS wheels, and a special Merlot Mica paint.

MotorWeek conducted a road test of the 1995 M Edition Miata and conveniently has it posted on their YouTube Channel as a Retro Review:

In our book, if you’re going to buy a first-generation Miata, try to find the best M-Edition model you can afford as it comes standard with more luxury features in addition to the exclusivity of special paint. With only 18,000 original miles and the 20K mile service already completed by a local Mazda dealership, this is an M-Edition Miata for sale that we predict will not stay listed for sale for very long.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Excellent condition, low mileage 1995 Mazda Miata M in Merlot Mica exterior with tan top and tan leather interior. Approximately 18,000 miles. Original BBS wheels. New tires with less than 1,000 miles on them. 20K mile service completed at Palm Springs Mazda in August 2021. Air conditioning, power windows, CD player, cruise control.“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1995 Mazda Miata M Edition?  Comment below and let us know!