The Mazda MX-5 roadster epitomizes Mazda’s Jinba Ittai philosophy, the strong belief that the car can become an extension of the driver
Since debuting in 1989, it continues to be the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster, and still regularly wins awards. We wonder if there is a unit in Malaysia, hidden somewhere.
Over the years of production, a number of variants were produced by none more stunning than the Le Mans edition. Released to commemorate Mazda’s incredible win at the Le Mans 24hr race with its rotary-powered 787B engine, the 24-model MX-5 Le Mans edition (pictured here) wore the same colour scheme as the race-winning Le Mans race car.
It was just after 4pm, on June 23rd 1991 when the rotary powered green and orange sports car took a stunning victory in the world’s most famous endurance race, having screamed its way around Le Mans for 24 hours straight.
Qualified 19th in the 1991 race, they climbed into second position just after the halfway point, behind the Sauber Mercedes of Jean-Louis Schlesser, Jochen Mass and Alain Ferte. The Mercedes had an unscheduled visit to the pit lane at 12:54 on Sunday, the victim of a leak of its cooling system that forced retirement.
The Mazda 787 B then took the lead and Japanese television programs were interrupted to broadcast he finish live! On the 23rd June 1991, Mazda made history as the first, and so far the only winning Japanese manufacturer in La Sarthe.
Additionally, this sporty convertible that Mazda introduced in 1989, reached a record production of 900,000 plus units in February 2011.
Meanwhile, 2 months later, Mazda UK celebrated the momentous win with a run of 24 Le Mans Edition MX-5s.
This landmark victory deserved a car worthy of the name. The striking depiction of the famous orange and green Renown livery, as worn by the Mazda 787B, lived up to the challenge.
Under the bonnet resided a low-boost turbocharger kit fitted by BBR in Brackley which pushed the power up to a respectable 150bhp and torque to an impressive 208Nm. The Le Mans Edition was a fitting tribute to one of the most memorable races in motorsport history.
