2000 Mazda Roadster, SP NB6C

two-lane, and the appeal of these cars is clear from the first corner. This 2000 Mazda Roadster SP is the Japanese-market version of the MX-5 Miata, finished in Classic Red with a hardtop that suits the curves of the second-generation body. With a 1.6L engine up front, power sent to the rear wheels, and a five-speed manual at hand, choosing the right gear and carrying speed through a bend is half the fun. This example has 107,277 verified miles, and it’s exactly the kind of sports car we’d pick for a Sunday morning with nowhere in particular to be. Under the hood is Mazda’s 1.6L B6-ZE, a naturally aspirated four-cylinder familiar to American enthusiasts from the 1990-1993 Miata. Mazda switched to the 1.8L for the U.S. market but kept the 1.6L available in Japan, giving this second-generation Roadster an engine and chassis combination we never got stateside. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual, and the Roadster’s light weight makes the most of the 1.6L. Part of the fun is how often you get to use the gearbox: drop down a gear for a bend, let the revs build on the way out, and you can enjoy the engine even on a short drive close to home. This SP also features an aftermarket cold air intake, a Koyorad radiator, and a GReddy strut brace. Inside, the gray two-seat cabin has one of our favorite details on this Roadster: the OEM Nardi steering wheel. The five-speed shifter sits close at hand, and the low seating position is part of what makes an MX-5 feel so personal from behind the wheel. A Kenwood head unit, power-adjustable mirrors, power door locks, hot heat, and cold A/C round out the cabin. This SP comes with both the hardtop and the soft top, so you can enjoy the snug feel of a coupe in cooler weather and still put the roof down when the forecast looks good. Outside, Classic Red (A3E) is a natural fit for the curves of the second-generation Roadster. The Work Emotion XD9 wheels are a great choice for this NB, and Tein coilovers give the owner room to dial in the ride height. An aftermarket front lip and side skirts give the car a sharper look without taking away from the shape Mazda got so right. With the hardtop in place, the roofline is every bit as appealing as the view with the top down. As with all of our vehicles, our in-house technicians inspected and serviced this Roadster in preparation for its next owner. We changed the engine oil and filter, installed a new air filter, and replaced the valve cover gasket. We also replaced the upper radiator hose, installed a new battery, and fitted a full set of new tires. What we like most about this Roadster is how well the upgrades suit the car Mazda built. The Work Emotion XD9s look right at home on a Classic Red NB, and from the low seat behind the Nardi wheel, the appeal is still that of a lightweight sports car with a great five-speed. You could take this SP to a local meet and be proud to park it there. We’d just give ourselves an extra hour for the drive home. Email [email protected] and finance is available Walkaround Video