New old member, with an even older MX5

AndyS · Postby **AndyS** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 10:04 pm

Back in 2017 I bought my first MX5, an NC with the PRHT.
Was a brilliant car, but i sold her to get something a bit more comfortable as my daily.
Spent the next year complaining that I missed my MX5, so after retiring a few weeks ago, and selling the practical car, I decided to start looking for another MX5.
My history is old English sports cars, and with a tree change to the windy roads of the south west of WA planned for next year, I found the right car for the job.
A 1994 NA Clubman, she needs a bit of body work and paint, but the interior is immaculate, all the bits that are supposed to be there are there (mostly) and the feeling of driving a first generation MX5 , with no power steering, is so much like all those years of owning classic sport cars, without the added bonus of being stranded by the side of the road on a regular basis and massive scuttle shake !
Anyway, thanks for having me back, it’s bloody great to finally own an NA and to be back in an MX5, and for it to be a genuine Clubman is just the icing on the cake

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 11:22 pm

Congrats & welcome back!

yertimer · Postby **yertimer** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 9:52 am

Welcome back - a great choice.

I am of a similar age, also have a 94 Clubman and am heading towards retirement. I too 'enjoyed' old British cars - in my case it was Mk1 & 2 Cortina's and Escorts, and lots of Mini's esp Cooper S's.

I agree - the clubman gives everything an old British sports car does but with Japanese reliability you get few of the headaches. Enjoy!

StanTheMan · Postby **StanTheMan** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 11:34 am

The cars age getting old. But it is so easy to get them reliable. even with rebuilds or engine changes.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Dec 15, 2020 11:31 am

The older you get the more you look for more comfort and practicality. Cruising in the heat requires A/c and top up.

AndyS · Postby **AndyS** » Tue Dec 15, 2020 6:51 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:The older you get the more you look for more comfort and practicality. Cruising in the heat requires A/c and top up.

Last car was a Z4 35is, retractable hard top, climate control all the mod cons.
Lovely car, but just not as much fun as a little MX5 !

The American · Postby **The American** » Wed Dec 16, 2020 6:35 am

NA8’s are the pick if you ask me - nice choice.

And, South West WA is a beautiful place to be in retirement!

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Wed Dec 16, 2020 11:35 am

Welcome back, Andy.
Good choice. The more I drive cars with all the 'mod-cons', the more I prefer the ones without.

Red_Bullet · Postby **Red_Bullet** » Wed Dec 16, 2020 5:42 pm

Rocky wrote:Welcome back, Andy.
Good choice. The more I drive cars with all the 'mod-cons', the more I prefer the ones without.

Oh yeah, for sure. I'd MUCH rather have my old Fiat 124 Coupe than my 2010 NC.....hahahahhahahahahahahahahaha :roll:

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 1:21 am

Rocky wrote:I used to get mine tuned by John McLean Motors (Tin-top racer Cameron McLean's Dad).

Red_Bullet · Postby **Red_Bullet** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:29 am

Pretty sure that's a replica, it isn't full of rust and the shiny stuff inside the headlights hasn't fallen off yet.

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 10:54 am

You are all SO cruel. I thought Bruce was the only one here that was that cruel.

Red_Bullet · Postby **Red_Bullet** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:58 pm

Bruce is a pussycat.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 3:24 pm

I would not go back to NB or NA for longer trips- too tiring and you start to detect their shortcomings. Our NC is a mighty car but the seats are hard after a day trip say 300 klm. Also when you get on undulating roads and happier at 90 or so you see the twin cabs and Landcruisers itching to pass. I looked at Z4s but the earlier cars were not good riding but maybe a Boxster for longer runs. A larger garage and sufficient funds to afford should have a range of cars to suit conditions! No one car can meet all purposes. My NB aircon was not as good as the NC and the folding hardtop is well superior and these things make a real difference for day trips. Personally I am long past top down over about 25 deg.

yertimer · Postby **yertimer** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 4:12 pm

I tend to agree MrM.

My NA is great for short trips or the track but not as a daily driver i.e. commuting. It has AC and is not uncomfortable but there are much better things to do the daily commute in. For commuting, longer trips and / or touring I prefer a bit more comfort.

As for roadsters and convertibles - they look fantastic but personally I don't find them great to drive on anything approaching a hot day. Great for Sydney's winter days, summer nights and days under 25* as you say. My NA has a hard top and it is on the car 99% of the time. I actually prefer coupes.

Having said all that I love driving the NA on short trips here and there - a fun car to drive and still great value.