The Mazda Eunos Roadster (NA Special Package) '89 is widely recognized as the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) variant of what most of the world knows as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Unveiled in 1989, the original NA-chassis Roadster reinvigorated the affordable, lightweight, two-seat roadster segment, which had languished since the British sports cars of the 1960s and 70s faded away. ‘Eunos’ was Mazda’s upmarket sub-brand in Japan, and the Eunos Roadster exemplified Mazda’s engineering philosophy of Jinba Ittai—car and driver as one.
The NA Special Package brought unique features and minor upgrades, including exclusive trim, alloy wheels, and often a limited-slip differential. This classic model quickly gained popularity due to its playful handling, reliable mechanicals, and pure driving experience—courtesy of its low weight, near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and rev-happy 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The car’s pop-up headlights, a signature design element, became iconic in its own right.
In motorsports, the NA-series Roadster/Miata quickly established itself as the go-to choice for grassroots racing and club-level motorsport events worldwide. One-make series such as the Miata Cup began cropping up, and the car proved formidable in SCCA and other amateur racing leagues. Its accessibility and performance made it the best-selling convertible sports car of all time, with over a million units produced in various guises. Today, the Mazda Eunos Roadster (NA Special Package) '89 is considered a cherished classic, prized both by enthusiasts seeking vintage driving thrills and collectors celebrating its historical significance.
