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If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a professional car nut builds a daily-driver MX-5 for his daughter… welcome back to Cowland on Cars. A lot of people have been asking what happened to the Project Mazda Paul was working on, and the answer is delightfully simple: it’s now his daughter Amber’s daily driver. Yep, Paul’s number one daughter is behind the wheel every day, working at a Mazda dealership, commuting in a lowered, corner-loving Mk3 MX-5 she’s slowly turning into her own.

The Mk1 Turbo rebuild continues as attention turns to the passenger rear quarter and the underside of the car. With rust uncovered, repairs escalate into a full rear subframe replacement, transforming the strength and integrity of the chassis. With new suspension arms fitted and both rear quarters now complete, this iconic MX-5 is one big step closer to the road.

Few cars have captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts quite like the Mazda MX-5. It’s the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, a true motoring icon, and for many owners, it’s more than just a car, it’s a way of life. Whether you call it an MX-5, a Miata, or an Eunos Roadster, this little roadster has carved out an incredible legacy over more than three decades. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite MX-5 facts, a mix of the obvious, the obscure, and a few that might even surprise long-time owners.

The turbocharged Mk1 build continues! After tackling the clutch, flywheel, short-shifter and the major bodywork reconstruction seen in Part 1 & Part 2, the Lights Up Lights Down team are now pushing forward with the next phase of the restoration, refreshing key components, rebuilding the rear quarter, and upgrading the suspension setup.

The MX5 Restorer team are back with part 2 of the latest Lights Up Lights Down video with the next stage of their turbocharged Mk1 MX-5 refresh. In Part 1 they transformed the drivetrain with a new clutch, lightweight flywheel and quick-shift kit. Now it’s time to tackle the exterior, and that means diving deep into the bodywork.

Few cars offer the same mix of fun, reliability, and community spirit as the Mazda MX5. Since its launch in 1989, the MX5 has built a passionate following here in the UK, thanks to its lightweight handling, back-to-basics design, and timeless charm. Whether you're looking for a weekend toy, a show-ready project, or a daily driver with character, there’s an MX5 for you.

We’re proud to partner with The MX5 Restorer on a brand-new video series as they breathe life back into a well-loved Mk1 MX5 Turbo. Sponsored by MX5Parts, this project kicks off with a mechanical refresh featuring some of our top performance upgrades.

Every MX5 owner knows there’s something special about sitting behind the wheel of their roadster, roof down, twisty B-road ahead, and nothing but miles of smiles. But what if you could make your interior just that bit more refined, practical or enjoyable?

When we think about performance upgrades for the Mazda MX5, our minds often leap straight to suspension kits, induction systems, or maybe a cheeky exhaust mod. But there’s one unsung hero that doesn’t get as much attention as it should, the engine mounts.

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your MX5, one of the most important areas to focus on is the braking system. Whether you're tackling winding B-roads, enjoying a weekend track day, or just using your MX5 as a daily driver, having the right brake pads makes all the difference.