now I feel old Mazda celebrates 35 years of the MX-5 with anniversary model The MX-5 is the perfect antidote to all those big SUVs. Jonathan M. Gitlin Jan 27, 2025 12:19 pm | 29 Credit: Mazda Credit: Mazda Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreDAYTONA, FloridaThis might make you feel old, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata just turned 35. Still in its fourth generationbetter known to Miata nerds as the "ND"this small, affordable, lightweight sports car is the perfect antidote to, well, just about everything else on the roads. And to celebrate this latest milestone, Mazda has created a new special anniversary edition, which it unveiled at this past weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona.When the Miata debuted in 1989, it was something of a game-changer. Inspired by classic European roadsters like those built by MG and Alfa Romeo, it was small, lithe, and, most importantly, reliable. It didn't hurt that it looked nice and was great to drive.It's also been something of a hit among amateur racersMazda is proud that each weekend, more Miatas are on track than any other make of car. That goes some way to explaining why Mazda chose this year's Rolex 24 at Daytona to reveal the new 35th Anniversary Editionthe MX-5 Cup series is probably IMSA's most exciting support series.The 35th Anniversary Edition is the latest in a long line of special edition Miatas, including anniversary cars for the 10th, 20th, 25th, and 30th editions. The focus here was on "classic elegance," with Artisan Red paint that's almost burgundy, plus a tan Nappa leather interior that will remind some of the tan leather interiors that Mazda used on some NAs. IMSA posts the MX-5 Cup races on YouTube, and they're highly entertaining. This year, one race was marked by a huge pileup right at the start. Mazda IMSA posts the MX-5 Cup races on YouTube, and they're highly entertaining. This year, one race was marked by a huge pileup right at the start. Mazda The 35th Anniversary Edition even paints the air vent surrounds the same Artisan Red as the bodywork. Mazda The 35th Anniversary Edition even paints the air vent surrounds the same Artisan Red as the bodywork. Mazda IMSA posts the MX-5 Cup races on YouTube, and they're highly entertaining. This year, one race was marked by a huge pileup right at the start. Mazda The 35th Anniversary Edition even paints the air vent surrounds the same Artisan Red as the bodywork. Mazda The 35th Anniversary Edition is similar to the Grand Touring trim, which means features like heated seats, and Mazda says it has added a limited-slip differential, additional bracing, and some newly tuned Bilstein dampers. There's also a beige convertible roof and some shiny 17-inch alloy wheels.It's also a bit more expensive than other Miatas, with an MSRP of $36,250. That's $1,620 more expensive than the next-most-expensive six-speed Miata (the Grand Touring), but it does come with the aforementioned extra equipment. Getting a hold of one might be a bit tricky, thoughMazda will only import 300 into the US.Jonathan M. GitlinAutomotive EditorJonathan M. GitlinAutomotive Editor Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving the National Human Genome Research Institute and launching Ars Technica's automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC. 29 Comments