One to Buy: 1991 Mazda MX-5 Le Mans Special Edition
Arguably the greatest upset in the Group C era of sports car racing came at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1991 when the Mazda 787B of Johnny Herbert, Bertrand Gachot and Volker Weidler beat one of the strongest fields in the event’s history to take a famous and unexpected victory.
Having set the twelfth fastest time in practice, the works 787B (which exploited a loophole in the rules that allowed it to run lighter than its rivals) progressively moved through the field and ultimately won by two laps from the first of three Silk Cut Jaguars that finished second through fourth.
In addition to the Jaguars, Mazda had seen off other works cars from Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot in addition to a host of slick privateer Porsche teams.
To celebrate becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to win at Le Mans, 24 very special MX-5s were supplied to the UK market.
Rather than your average bundle-of-options release created to shift a slow-selling model from dealer forecourts, the MX-5 Le Mans Special Edition was the most powerful iteration of Mazda’s popular two-seat Roadster ever sold.
The hike in output came as a result of a BBR Turbo Kit that took the engine to 150bhp. Five-spoke wheels and an aero kit were also installed. However, most famously it was the paint scheme of these Le Mans Specials that yielded a massive amount of publicity with each of the 24 cars was painted the same orange and green livery as the Le Mans-winning 787B.
One of these extremely rare MX-5s is currently on offer at The Hairpin Company in Compton Basset, Wiltshire. Supplied new in Scotland, it has covered 90,000 miles, comes with an extensive history file to include the original service book, and remains in excellent condition throughout.
Reprinted below is The Hairpin Company’s description for this rarely seen Japanese special:
In celebration of Mazda’s historic and unexpected win at the 1991 Le Mans 24 hour race a special version of the firm’s hugely successful and very capable MX5 sports convertible was announced to mark this success.
Just 24 cars were to be made available to order from the 15th August 1991, they featured an ultimate specification, most notably duotone red and green bodywork with decals following the livery of the victorious Mazda 787B sports racer. Each vehicle was fitted with the BBR Turbo Kit that greatly increased the performance with a rise in power to 150bhp from the rather pedestrian 114bhp of the standard MX5. In addition, a number of unique details included a body styling kit, special polished alloy wheels, stainless sill plates and an embossed black leather owners wallet with a certificate confirming the car to be one of the limited Le Mans versions, signed by one of the drivers in the winning team. This car retains all of the originally specified features and the certificate is signed by perhaps the most famous driver of all, Johnny Herbert.
This Le Mans edition was supplied when new by Westcars Mazda, the main dealer in Glasgow on the 20th September 1991. A number of enthusiasts have owned the car since including a very active member of the MX5 Owners Club. Each of these owners have clearly looked after the car very carefully as today with a recorded 90,000 miles, it remains in superb original condition throughout. The extensive history file and original stamped service book shows very diligent maintenance throughout the car’s life, this probably explains why the car drives so well. Indeed, it could easily pass for a very low mileage example in terms of both appearance and the taut driving experience.
A special little car serving up real verve and character, supplying far more excitement and rarity than expected at this price level. It comes with the above-mentioned history file and original book pack.
Price: £25,000
