55k-Mile 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata M Edition Five-Speed

Description

The 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata M Edition marked the final chapter in a four-year run of special-edition Miatas crafted for the U.S. market. Introduced in 1994, the M Edition series was Mazda’s effort to offer a more upscale, limited-production version of its beloved roadster. Each year brought unique colors and premium features, and the 1997 model was no exception. 

Only 3,000 M Edition roadsters were produced for 1997, all finished in the exclusive Marina Green Mica paint with a tan leather interior. This edition was based on the NA-generation Miata and retained the model’s hallmark 1.8-liter DOHC inline-four engine, producing 133 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential for enhanced handling.  

The M Edition stood out with luxury touches such as a wooden Nardi shift knob, chrome wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, and M Edition badging. In addition, the car’s Automatic Volume Control (AVC) automatically raises the stereo volume to compensate for the increased ambient noise, and when the car slows down, the volume gradually decreases to its original level. 

As the final M Edition of the NA generation — and the last Miata with pop-up headlights — the 1997 model is especially prized by collectors and enthusiasts. This two-owner ’97 M Edition shows 55,465 original miles. 

Highlights 

• One of 3,000 Miata MX-5 M Edition models for 1997, shows 55,465 original miles 

• Last model with pop-up headlights 

• All 1997 M Editions featured: 

  • Marina Green Mica paint over Tan leather interior 

  • 1.8-liter inline-four engine rated at 133 hp 

  • Five-speed manual transmission with wood Nardi Torino shift knob 

  • Torsen limited-slip differential 

  • Color-matching removable hardtop 

  • Tan convertible top  

  • 15-inch chrome wheels 

  • Air conditioning 

  • Cruise control 

  • M Edition badging 

Features 

• Tan convertible top replaced 6 years ago 

• Power steering 

• Anti-lock braking system 

• Bucket seats with audio speakers in the headrests 

• Pioneer AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo 

• Retractable radio antenna 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• 140 mph speedometer and 8,000 rpm tachometer 

• Six-spoke chrome wheels 

• Bridgestone Potenza 195/50R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• According to CARFAX, a “Damage Report Accident” was reported on 15 October 2010: “Vehicle involved in a rear-end collision” (Seller says, “All OEM parts were used” to repair the damage) 

• Paint imperfections (chips, light scratches) 

• Small dent on passenger side of hood near windshield 

• Small dent on rear passenger fender 

• Front side of rearview mirrors shows delamination 

• Rust on windshield wiper arms 

• Rust on driver's side rocker panel in front of rear wheel 

• Chrome delamination on driver's side rear wheel 

• Two dents on trunk

• Clear coat is wearing off rear, just below trunk lid

• Clear coat is peeling on rear spoiler 

• Scratches on driver's door sill plate 

• Surface rust on rear edge of passenger door sill plate 

• Wear on steering wheel and driver's seat 

• Scuffs on lower portion of driver's side dash 

• Only one Miata floor mat (passenger side)  

Included 

• Hardtop (has not been used under current ownership) 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Key 

• Owner’s manual 

• Receipts 

• Spare taillight assembly 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this two-owner 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata M Edition in Connecticut from new. It was purchased new on 18 December 1997 in Stamford and was sold in December 2004 in Oxford. The seller says, “I received this car as a Christmas gift from my husband. I drove it only May to October each year, and when it was not being driven it was in my garage.”