Badged as the Eunos Roadster for the Japanese Domestic Market (but sold as the Mazda MX-5 in Europe), the VR Limited was a late 1995 edition for the Japanese market only.
This particular model, with a mere 78,500 kilometres (48,000 miles) on the odometer, is in exceptional condition both externally and internally, as well as underneath. It stands out as the finest example we have encountered.
One of only 700 units produced in this specific colour combination of Artvin Red Mica exterior, complemented by a tan soft top and taupe coloured leather interior, it boasts a higher specification than standard models. It is equipped with the larger Series 2 1.8-litre engine, a lightened flywheel and an upgraded 16-bit engine management system, delivering 133 bhp. The vehicle features a 5-speed manual transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential, with a shorter 4.3:1 final drive ratio. Additionally, it is fitted with lightweight 15-inch Enkei alloy wheels, enhanced suspension that includes Bilstein shock absorbers, thicker anti-roll bars, and an engine bay strut brace. There is also additional bracing around the differential and rear underbody area. These enhancements result in a quicker, more responsive and agile driving experience, offering superior road holding and handling compared to the standard 1.6-litre Series 1 model.
The interior trim level is also of a high specification and includes embroidered leather sports seats with headrest speakers, a Momo 3-spoke steering wheel, an uprated audio system, stainless steel sill plates with 'Roadster' logo and numerous other stainless steel, chrome and aluminium trim upgrades, throughout the cabin.
The VR Limited featured in a number of versions of the very popular Grand Turismo gaming platform. In addition, Mazda have just unveiled their 35th Anniversary edition of the Eunos Roadster, which is also in the same colour combination, as this Combination A VR Limited.
As series 1 MX-5s and Eunos Roadsters continue to rise in popularity, rare low mileage limited editions like this one, especially in such pristine condition, are increasingly sought after. Consequently, this vehicle presents an excellent opportunity for both enthusiast and collector alike.
The VR Limited was available in two variants: Combination A and Combination B. This particular model, identified as Combination A, is finished in Artvin Red Mica, commonly known as “Vin Rouge” or “Merlot.”
We think this colour really suits the lines of the car and makes for a sophisticated and stylish look, especially contrasting against the tan soft top.
As can be seen from the photos the paintwork is in superb overall condition,
holds an impressive shine, is uniform both in colour and finish across all panels and all panel gaps are factory tight.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was subject to a sympathetic paintwork detail and treated to two coats of Swissvax’s excellent Crystal Rock wax, which provides up to 6-12 months paint protection.
The original tan vinyl soft top has been replaced with a mohair version of the same colour, which shows no signs of wear, is unblemished and features a glass heated rear window, that is also in pristine condition. The car is supplied with a tan tonneau cover, in addition to the original black one.
Considering the car is nearly twenty-seven years old, its overall condition is a remarkable reflection of the meticulous care it has received throughout its life.
The VR Limited interior is a lovely place to be. The taupe coloured leather seats with embroidered logo, also feature built in speakers and along with the door cards, are in incredible unmarked condition, having been replaced in 2017 for genuine factory replacements. Chrome rings on the “eye ball” heater outlets provide a nice sense of occasion to the purposeful black dash layout. The logoed stainless steel sill trims, speaker covers, as well as the chrome gear lever, aluminium gear surround trim piece (featuring the 'Eunos' logo) and chrome handbrake handle, all increase the level of sophistication in the cabin over the standard trim.
The clear and simple analogue gauge cluster incorporates a large rev counter and speedometer, with three smaller supporting gauges for fuel level, oil and water temperature. An elegant 3 spoke wood rimmed Nardi steering wheel, replaces the original 3 spoke black leather rimmed Momo one. This has however been retained and comes with the car. Air conditioning and heating controls are conveniently mounted in the central stack, immediately in front of the gear leaver and the factory audio system features a combined radio/tape/CD player. With a perfectly-placed gear lever and well-spaced pedal box, it’s every bit the driver-focused interior you’d expect.
The original carpets are in excellent condition, protected on both driver and passenger side with OEM “VR Limited” monogramed over mats.
Electric windows are fitted, which are operated by aftermarket stainless steel toggle switches. The original black plastic rocker switches have been retained and will come with the car.
All the switch gear, dials, lights, warning lights, air conditioning and heater, work as they should.
The boot has remained bone dry with unmarked boot floor carpeting. The car comes with a space saver spare wheel, a complete tool kit, jack, wheel brace and nut remover pliers.
The 1.8 litre engine is a delight, offering more power and torque than the standard 1.6 litre engine. It’s keen to rev no doubt helped by the factory fitted lightened fly wheel. The engine pulls well across the rev range and the shorter final drive ratio, allows for the extra power and torque to be better exploited across all gears.
The exhaust note is particularly pleasing, being crisp with a rorty sportiness, without any undue drone at motorway speed. This is courtesy of a stainless steel exhaust system from the catalytic converter back to the end pipe.
The comprehensive documented history that comes with the car evidences regular maintenance over its 78K kms history. Recent maintenance work includes an oil service, cambelt, water pump and all auxiliary belts replaced, immediately before its last MOT in December 2023, at 78,481 kms, just 76 kms from its current mileage.
The 5 speed gearbox is a joy to use, with the short throw gear change being mechanical in feel and precise. The clutch engages smoothly and shows no undue signs of wear. Invoicing history evidences a new clutch fitted at 77,842 kms.
The car rides well on its suspension with no noticeable clonks or squeaks. Factory fitted with upgraded Bilstein shock absorbers all round, the car has been fitted with after marker Eibach springs, which lowers the car over standard and provide for a sightly stiffer ride. However, on our test driving we did not have any issues with grounding when out on the road and the ride comfort was not materially impacted. Handling wise the car feels agile, quick to turn, with little roll and with lots of driver feedback.
As a VR Limited, the car sits on its original factory supplied 15” light weight alloy Enkei wheels, fitted with 195/50 R15 Yokohama tyres all round all with significant of tread remaining. As can be seen from the photos the wheels are all in excellent unmarked condition.
Fitted with discs brakes all round for plenty of stopping power. New front and rear discs and pads were fitted at around 78K kms, along with upgraded stainless steel braided brake lines all round.
Unfortunately, MX-5s especially the early ones had a poor reputation for corrosion, due to limited corrosion protection from the factory.
However as can be seen from the photos of the underside, this example is in exceptional order.
The car was subject to a full clean down and given a Dinitrol 4941 underseal treatment in 2017, at around 78K kms.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car’s underside has been treated to our comprehensive underside preservation treatment. This entailed an underside deep clean, any surface corrosion on mechanical componentry removed/treated and then 3 coatings of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment applied.
This provides for a further level of corrosion resistance to those areas, which is long lasting and jet wash proof. This all adds up to a car that now has outstanding underbody protection from corrosion, that is now much better than factory and which provides excellent protection for the car, even if driven on UK roads all year round.
The documented history folder, contains the registration document and clear Total Car Check dated 20/10/2024.
The file contains extensive maintenance and parts invoices, dating from 2004 right up until November 2023, evidencing the high level of care it has received during its lifetime.
Although very sparingly used since 2017, invoice history evidences a host of major items such as clutch, cambelt, water pump and discs and pads have all now been changed within the last 1K kms, in addition to other service items such as oil and brake fluid changes.
Impressively, the file also contains MOT certificates dating back to 1999 which, in conjunction with the invoices detailing mileage, offers substantial evidence to support the car’s mileage as genuine.
Finally, the car comes with a set of 2 keys, a Haynes Workshop manual and MX-5/Eunos Roadster Owner’s Manual.
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