Description
1996 Mazda MX-5 Gleneagles
A wonderful example of a Gleneagles Special edition 1. 8i MX-5. With only 45, 850 miles with 1 owner until last year.
This is a unique opportunity to purchase an unmodified special edition that’s been well cared for. The car would suit an MX5 enthusiast or collector. This is a future show star!
My family own 3 MX5’s I have two and my son is now hooked with the third. It bought this lovely Gleneagles enthusiastically thinking I had the capacity to own this wonderful investment show car, as well as working on my other NA which I am slowly modifying. However, realistically I don’t have the capacity. So now I am looking for someone to pass this onto who will cherish it, and perhaps I will see in the future, on show!
• 2 owners , 1 owner from new, until Last Year
• MOT until 25th May 2025
• Fully documented miles, service & MOT History
• New cambelt in 2006 on 21, 805 miles.
• New 3-piece clutch kit fitted this year.
• Springs replaced this year.
Condition
The car is in great condition having been well maintained and on low miles, (45, 850). The leather retractable roof is in fantastic condition with no rips or tears, seams are all good and it operates perfectly. The rear windscreen has some light marks. Body work is excellent with no rust. Recently re-sprayed in the original Montego blue. There is no rust and all previous body shop work to sills is to a high standard.
I have given this a new clutch and replaced the springs all around. I cannot warrant that all parts are OEM but the car has no modifications and is generally as from the factory.
Tyres were reported as nearly new, with just over 7mm of tread all around on these Falken Ziex ZE310’s.
It is undersealed, other than wishbones, see photos. Rubber bushes will need renewal in the next few years. There are no rattles or squeaks and runs brilliantly. This Car’s History
The car was supplied new by the Main Dealer, Plymouth Mazda, the car was registered on the 12th April 1996 to first owner. The original purchase invoice for £17, 097, starts the large history file.
The love and care that this car has had, can be seen by its documented history along with the original Gleneagles Tartan document wallet, key holder and two driving caps. The owner even, hand, made a matching tartan blanket. All handbooks, service book, and guides including the Gleneagles Specification brochure and other dealership literature are present, including the three original coded Mazda keys. The service book has its pre-delivery inspection date of 12/ 04/ 96 and 21 service stamps until the most recent at 42, 697 miles on 02/ 04/ 19 and the original sales invoice, (of £17097 in 1996). The current MOT expires in May 2025 with no advisories.
About The Gleneagles special edition
The Mazda MX-5 Gleneagles special edition was a limited production of just 400 cars between October 1995 and May 1996 and commemorates the tradition, prestige and quality of the famous Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Club in Perth, Scotland.
The specification was unique to the Gleneagles edition including its full champagne leather trims, seats and tonneau cover, a walnut effect console with tartan gearbox gaiter trim. A Momo leather steering wheel with Gleneagles centre piece. The stereo being the Clarion DRX8175R single disc CD player, special 15 inch alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts, amazing metallic Montego Blue paintwork with the two Gleneagles tartan caps, key wallet and maintenance book wallet.
Equipment
Retractable headlamps, Chrome door handles & hard top fasteners, colour keyed; bumpers, mirrors, mud guards, manual folding black leather soft top, side impact beams, window etching, tachometer, luxury leather seats with adjustable headrests, locking glovebox, wall nut centre storage box and console, power steering. Gleneagles badge to steering wheel and front wings.
Engine & Transmission
The Gleneagles special edition was based on the 1. 8i model and the lightweight 16v DOHC engine sits low and behind the front axle to offer a low centre of gravity and centralised weight distribution making handling perfectly balanced and delightfully responsive. The engine bay is very clean and tidy with factory plates, panel stamps, PDI dabs and stickers all present and undamaged. The brilliant close ratio short throw gearbox provides the light and precise gear changes and the MX5 are famous for.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
This has its original factory fitted 15” alloy wheels, unrestored and in great condition but with a few blemishes. The servo Assisted Braking System Is Factory Standard.
Interior
The Gleneagles has a unique to the edition leather upholstery in Champaigne colour. This has matching door panel trims and fascia panel matching the luxury leather pleated seats. The interior is almost very clean, (almost immaculate, other than the scuffing to the driver’s seat outer edge due to seat belt rubbing). All Gleneagles special edition interior features are present and preserved including the perfect wood effect trim and Gleneagles Tartan. The correct and virtually impossible to replace upholstery co-ordinating tonneau edged in Gleneagles Tartan is present and immaculate with leather bag for storage. All functions and controls operate including the factory fitted Clarion DRX8175R CD Stereo. The console clock is missing and has been replaced with a temporary solution.
Exterior
The Gleneagles came in Montego Blue which may well be one of its best colours from the early years. Although Blue it has a beautiful metallic green that shines through with sun light at certain angles. When sat next to my other MX5 NA which is British Racing Green it can sometimes be hard to see the difference. The Gleneagles also has colour coded bumpers front and back and chrome door handles and hard top lugs over the rear boot. Don’t forget the famous retractable head lights! The alloy wheels are original with its grooved 5 spokes and concaved rims.
Items that could be improved
The next owner may want to work to bring up to top show condition. Which it is not far from. This is work I would do if I was keeping the car.
• Seats are slightly worn with driver side seat belt scuffs. A quote for Professional recoloration was quoted at £295.
• Wheels have some light marks/ blemishes. A light refurbishment would suffice, but a full sandblasted and respray would cost about £70 each.
• The rear screen has some markings which may polish out, or a new screen fitted.
The above would make this a top show condition.
Recent examples of Gleneagles can be found online selling for circa £17. 5k Pick yourself a fantastic, Rare Gem & investment.
I am open to sensible offers.
