The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a significant automotive artifact to its collection—a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata with fewer than 5,700 original miles, now displayed as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This early-production NA Miata represents a pristine example of the vehicle that revolutionized the sports car market by combining classic roadster appeal with modern reliability.
Launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year, the original Miata successfully rekindled the spirit of classic British roadsters while addressing their historical reliability issues. The car's lightweight design, perfect balance, and engaging driving dynamics quickly made it a global phenomenon. This particular specimen, meticulously preserved with minimal mileage, demonstrates why the model became so beloved among enthusiasts and critics alike.
Technical specifications highlight the Miata's engineering excellence. The vehicle is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four engine factory-rated at 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and an optional limited-slip differential, creating what enthusiasts consider the ideal combination for spirited driving. Exterior features include a chrome exhaust tip, color-keyed bumpers and mirror caps, and the signature pop-up headlights that define its classic profile.
Inside the cabin, period-correct features remain intact, including a cassette stereo with headrest-integrated speakers. The air conditioning system was upgraded to R134 refrigerant in 2021, ensuring modern functionality while preserving originality. The driver faces a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a full complement of gauges including a 140-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and supporting instruments for fuel, oil pressure, and coolant temperature.
Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's historical significance, stating, "The original Miata changed the sports car world forever—offering driving joy in its purest form. Finding one with such remarkably low mileage and in this condition is extremely rare." The museum, which houses over 200 collector cars and 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts, provides context for understanding the Miata's place in automotive history alongside rare and exotic vehicles.
The preservation of such low-mileage examples matters because they serve as historical benchmarks, allowing future generations to experience automotive icons exactly as they left the factory. For the collector car industry, these well-preserved vehicles establish valuation standards and help historians understand manufacturing details often lost through years of use and modification. Visitors can learn more about the museum's collection at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
