Restoration/Restore Vs refurbishment/Renovation

[Mazda Mender]

As we are on the edge of getting ready to start "Restoring" these Roadsters but by far not there yet the "Restore" and "Restoration" words are being thrown around far to easily with these mazda's. Roadster prices have now started to creep up for Special Editions with low miles in A1 condition and even more so with the MK 1 NA versions and in some cases a standard low mileage straight Roadster. There is a big line between a "Restored" car or "refreshed/repaired car " most that are loosely throwing the restore word about have not dealt with a rotten MG, Triumph,Jag, Mini etc etc from the time cars were being designed and built for looks with no wind tunnels or computers and our great weather climate or our cure for winter "salt" melted them faster than being built. We have a deep love for the open top two seater and Mazda hit the nail on the head with a big risk as all the rest faded away the only car up against the Roaster was the MGF with bad electrics, leaking roof and a great engine that did not like going fast or the head gasket went pop.

So Mazda made the roadster cheap ,reliable, fun and over engineered. The Mk1 and was an instant hit as it worked very well as a car and has stood the test of time..

In 2006 there were 33,000 Mk1's in the UK including those dreaded imported Eunos Roadsters everyone hated hitting our shores,in 2018 there is still 17,000 registered on the roads, this will not take into account examples sitting locked away in garages being wrapped in cotton wool.

I am focusing this posting around the MK1 as they are becoming rarer to find. With good clean low mileage versions being very sought after and changing hands for very good money which will only increase in the years ahead before finding a level.

Good MK2's are getting harder to find and special editions are sought after if in good condition but will not be worth as much as a very good tidy A1 MK1.

Good MK 2.5's are getting even harder to find than the MK 2's simply because of the cutting of corners in the protection side of things. Unless the Mk 2/2.5's have been loved and properly protected for this country then assume it is rotten and "will " require a lot of money spent for little return.

Mk3's these are starting to rot out now, but the MK3 will not fetch big money with their ford bits unless it is a Special Edition in good condition and well looked after.
Mk4's are out and about, trust me these will be the worst to rot out if not protected now while fresh, the box sections underneath are wide open, loads of huge weight saving holes ready to catch salt and water that are not protected...

In a nut shell you are spending your money on "CONDITION" regardless of version or model, if it is about making money then be wise in what you're getting, history, paper work and pictures, everything they have, and remember they are only worth as much as your willing to pay, don't let your heart rule your head as it is easy done ,so don't be afraid to walk away.... now is the time to get a good NA as they start to climb the cash ladder or a good loved cheap NB as they are being scraped by the hundreds everyday as the market will change for them also.

But as the market place rises watch out for the polished turds as they are out there with bad repairs, filler, smoking away claiming they are A1, they want your money, only part with it if it is good , take someone with expert knowledge of these Mazsters, as there is still some very nice Roadsters out there to grab hold of now.

But that said as long as you know what to look for, or taken someone knowledgeable along with you for a thumbs up or down, don't be afraid of a little bubbling on the rear sills or wheel arches on the 89 to 05...as it is repairable...as is also any bubbling on the front wings as they are a simple bolt off and on panel, front rails on the 98 to 05 can be repaired, there are repair sections available for these now (thread on the subject on this forum) , and once all repaired and all box sections injected and everything else sealed up with a good quality underseal then there is no reason to enjoy a good roadster, but if this as been done by someone else and you are buying it....you want plenty of evidence to prove so, recipes , pictures etc etc that it as been done correct.

We will be doing a no frills honest buyers guide very soon ....

Very good read on the subject and explains it well....

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hsx/2 ... 96114.html



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