1993 Toyota MR2
# 33820. S/N JT2SW22N1P0079323. 34k miles. “Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4, 5-speed manual transaxle, limited-slip differential, Super White, black simulated leather interior, removable T-tops, air conditioning, CD/cassette stereo, service records, factory manuals.” Condition: 1-. SOLD AT $31,763. Bring a Trailer 7/13/2020.
Brian’s take: The second generation MR2, or Midship Runabout 2-seater, has been climbing for some time now. With its mid-engine design, there aren’t many other Japanese cars similar to it, which almost puts it in its own category. It doesn’t really fit with the Miatas, as it is a targa top and not a convertible, and it’s doesn’t really fit in with the Civics, as it isn’t front-wheel drive. But it also doesn’t pack the power of top-level JDM cars such as the Supra or RX-7. This car attracts a different type of Japanese car buyer. Less than five years ago, they averaged $3k–$6k, but the price has sure jumped with a lot of other Japanese cars. This isn’t the first one to pass over $30k, and it probably won’t be the last. Well sold.
1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
# 33680. S/N JM1NA3535R0518951. 40,000 miles shown. “1.8-liter inline 4, 5-speed manual transmission, Torsen limited-slip differential, Classic Red over black cloth, black soft top, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette radio, tonneau cover” Condition: 2. SOLD AT $11,025. Bring a Trailer, 7/8/2020.
Brian’s take: I talked about the Miata in the October 2017, August 2019 and October 2019 issues of SCM. I mentioned how they are fun, zippy cars that are hard to keep the miles off and always make you smile. Values since then have stayed around the same mark — Condition 2+ cars selling for $9k–$13k. But one aspect I have noticed since then is Gen Z’s love for the first-generation Miata.
Many of these car owners in their late teens/early 20s have found interest in cars through the Miata. Customizing them in their own way, and in turn, getting their friends interested in cars. With the sea of aftermarket parts for them, along with the multi-generational appeal, Miata values will only continue to rise. Despite the fading paint on this car, I consider it well bought.
1987 Honda CRX Si
# 33837. S/N JHMEC1346HS043046. 111,000 miles. “1.5-L DOHC inline 4, 5-speed manual transaxle, refinished in red, gray cloth interior, factory alloy wheels, new clutch, timing-belt and water-pump service, brake and rotor service.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $19,425. Bring a Trailer 7/13/2020.
Brian’s take: First-gen CRXs have always seem to fall second in desirability compared to the second-gen car. This is why this sale surprised me. The Junior Zagato-inspired CRX was available in two trim levels: HF (for High Fuel) and Si, (for Sports Injected). The HF model was a slow, carbureted 1.3-liter SOHC, where the Si packed the 1.5 PGM-FI fuel-injected SOHC, making it much more fun. I will confess that I wasn’t expecting these kinds of prices for the first gen, but I think this is due to the second gen selling for over $20k, like the 1989 Si that sold nine days later (# 34209). This is similar to how the Porsche 911s brought up the value of the 912s, or how the Datsun 240Z is slowly bringing up the value of the 280z. Well sold. ♦