Does the Miata offer the best classic roadster experience?

Colin
By Colin Wood
Nov 4, 2022 | Alfa Romeo, Mazda, MG, Triumph, Miata, spider, mgb, TR6, Mazda Miata, Triumph TR6, comparison, ALFA ROMEO SPIDER

Photography Credit: David S. Wallens

In case you missed it, the original Mazda Miata is now old enough to be considered a classic car.

[Our Miata is officially an antique | Garage Rescue Miata]

What better way, then, to welcome the youngtimer into the classic car world than by comparing it to three other popular old-school roadsters–the Alfa Romeo Spider, the Triumph TR6 and the MGB?

Which top-down experience offers the biggest bang for your buck? Check out our classic roadster comparison now over on Classic Motorsports to find out.

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Comments
David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/7/22 1:09 p.m.

This was a fun one to see come together. When we started Classic Motorsports some 20 years ago, people said that a Miata was too new. Today, I get letters from readers who own a Miata in addition to a classic Jag, Triumph, etc. 

AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter)
AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) UberDork
11/7/22 3:32 p.m.

I definitely suggest the Miata design book for any fans.  It goes through the process quite well.  Mazda obtained and evaluated each of these original sports car to make theirs as well.

I'm also not sure where I heard or read this story, but apparently after testing an RX7 Mazda asked Brock Yates what car they should build next.  He suggested they make a modern sports car, but one that is reliable.  All the other auto makers scoffed, but the history speaks to the success.  And the list of copycats is long, and some are also great.  
 

Ultimately, it is still true that some really prefer feeling more connected to their cars while driving,  

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
11/7/22 3:37 p.m.

That's the first time I've heard Brock Yates being given any credit. It's possible someone conflated him with journalist Bob Hall, who was instrumental in the LWS project.

AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter)
AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) UberDork
11/7/22 6:35 p.m.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

It's a possibility.  It's been a long time since I heard the story or read it.

kb58
kb58 UltraDork
11/7/22 8:32 p.m.

Curious who here has driven all classic roadsters in order to give a definitive answer!

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/8/22 11:13 a.m.
kb58 said:

Curious who here has driven all classic roadsters in order to give a definitive answer!

Not all–can't recall driving a Jensen-Healey, for example–but most of them. :) 

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