19th Jun, 2025 10:00
Classic Cars
46
1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8i roadster
Registration no: R450 GEV
Chassis no: JMZNA18P200322110
Mileage: 22,796
Highly regarded as one of the best 'bang for buck' sports cars of all time, this example is the perfect embodiment of what is so enjoyable with lightweight convertible motoring. The better, and larger, buzzy 1.8 engine producing 128bhp at a healthy 6500rpm, meant it was fitted with extra bracing and larger brakes than the standard 1.6 - all of this mixed with power steering to help in car parks and manual windows, means you have the ultimate recipe for a daily driver or weekend car that is an appreciating modern classic.
Currently only having covered 22,796 miles since 1997, this is one of the very few examples that are as close to new as you can possibly find, in true time-warp original condition.
Finished in a rare black, this car is one-owner-from-new complete, with original receipt of purchase and factory steel wheels, tonneau and dealer-fitted options including floor carpets, chrome scuff panels, as well as a radio cassette player. Other equipment includes power-assisted steering and an alarmed immobiliser. A full service history accompanies the vehicle. This particular example is unlike many low mileage NA series Mx-5s due to it being an original UK car.
Comes with an MOT and current V5C.
Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.
£5,000 - £7,000
Buyer's premium: 18.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
In very original condition, underside is very good condition other than one spot of corrosionon the offside towards the rear of the sill, tyres are quite old and showing signs of age. the body work is largely good other than a scratch on the rear bumper and some dents from being garaged. hood in very good condition and not showing any signs of sun bleaching etc. interior is like new. Service book is stamped by Mazda until 2005 and we are told by the vendor it was serviced every year afterwards at every MOT test regardless of miles, the only proof of which is each certificate.
IN PERSON
To bid in person at auction for the first time please register for a bidding paddle in advance by filling out and submitting a registration form at our front desk. When registering in person we require photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
ABSENTEE BIDDING
If you cannot attend the auction in person we can bid on your behalf. You can leave an absentee bid on our website.
The amount you bid should be your maximum bid. We will bid up to that limit for you, and remember you may end up paying less than your limit, depending on other bidding on the day.
You can leave an absentee bid up to half an hour before the start of any sale. Please note when we receive two or more absentee bids for the same amount, the first bid received will be the one taken.
LEAVE COMMISSION BIDS ONLINE
If you would like to leave a commission bid on our website you can do so up until 30 minutes before the sale starts. Leaving a commission bid through sworder.co.uk is free for all registered clients. Thereafter you may register bank card details under your account in order to bid live. Click here to register an account.
BID LIVE ON sworder.co.uk
You can bid live at our auctions from the comfort of your home or office using bidding platform Sworders Live. It is easy to register and you can watch the auction live as it happens. A 'Bid Live' button will appear on the auction on our website homepage when a sale is live; simply click the button to sign in or register with your card details. There is no additional charge for this service.
For further instructions on registering to bid live, please click here.
TELEPHONE BIDDING
If you would like to bid by telephone please contact our team prior to the auction with your details of the lots you are interested in and your full name, address, telephone number(s) and email address. Once our team have entered your bid request you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you during the sale and one of our team will bid live with you over the phone.
Please note that we normally offer this service for lots with an estimate of £500 or higher and all telephone bid requests must be received by close of business the day before the auction.
Auction: Classic Cars, 19th Jun, 2025
Please note: Lots 46-63 are subject to Buyer's Premium at 15% plus VAT @20%
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 13 June, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 15 June, 10am - 1pm
Monday 16 June, 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 17 June, 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 18 June, 10am - 4pm
Thursday 19 June, 9am - 10am
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
Full Terms & Conditions relating to our auctions can be found here
Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
The below table shows indicative shipping costs for larger items being delivered within the UK mainland. Please note that all the below costs are purely for indicative purposes and are to be used as a guideline only. If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email; this also includes all requests for international delivery.
If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!
Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here
Request A Valuation
Here at Sworders, we are happy to offer a free online valuation service. Please fill out the form and press the 'Submit' button below.
To help us with your valuation please attach clear photographs of the item where possible. You can submit up to 5.
Approximate dimensions are also useful. Expect to hear from the appropriate valuer as soon as possible.
