MX-5. Miata. Roadster. Whatever you name them, don't call them a hairdresser's car. Some angry guy (Or gal) who drives one might beat you up if you do. Or worse, they might challenge you to a run at Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap (318 curves in 11 miles), where any muscle car would be horribly humiliated.
They have possibly received that insult because well, if you want to drive one, you should not be greatly tall of stature or wide in girth because there's no way in hell that you'll ever fit in one. So NFL linebackers, NBA forwards, and Sumo wrestlers need not apply.
On this sunny Saturday, Nelson Mazda of Cool Springs graciously hosted the Music City Miata Club, based in Nashville, Tennessee, and approximately 50 MX-5s showed up. Test drives of the all-new 2016 Miata were available, but l spent the time chatting, taking pictures, and chatting some more. Of course, l waxed up the 2001 SE, drove there, and eased it into a coned, reserved parking space.
This post is not a test or review of the brand-new car. It just came out, others have previewed it, and with what's about to happen to the new little Mazda, any impressions here would probably be old news. It's just not time for a proper test... yet.
Most of us have seen the snazzy new hardtop that should be released this Fall. But we haven't seen the upcoming 2.5-liter Turbo, most likely to revive the MAZDASPEED badge. Oops, I guess that just slipped out.
Miata owners are a friendly bunch. After all, they're not a bunch of tire-smoking, noisy hellions who spend their time rebelling against society. No, their cars are literally their babies, and their owners are not afraid to admit driving slow. They are a knowledgeable bunch, and are glad to offer advice to anybody, whether they are fellow club members or not.
The pre-announced highlight of the visit was a guided tour of the underbelly of a brand new Roadster. After some interesting opening remarks about the new car, including pointing out that it only has four lugs for each wheel (Down from five), simply to reduce weight. Our guide said the new sports car weighs in at just over 2,300 pounds because of its diet.
After the undercarriage tour, all guests were invited to delicious free pizza and soft drinks in the showroom. Yours truly only had two slices, as the SE's interior is tight enough as it is.
Back outside, the new engine bay was explored, and we learned the four ways to get into the trunk. These include the key fob, an interior pull, a very cleverly hidden switch under the rear bumper, and an emergency route that including removing a panel and pulling a latch.
What may have been the most vintage Miata there was this red 1990 car, the model's second year. We weren't sure if the wheels were original or not, but the one-year-only logo badges, front and rear, gave its age away.
And to cap off the visit in maybe the best way possible, we noticed that a salesman was putting a temporary tag on a new Soul Red Miata. It seems that one of the visitors had just bought the car, and was preparing to take their new baby home. Hopefully it will be around in 25 or so years to welcome yet another generation of these Roadsters and their owners to the club.
--That Car Guy (Chuck)
Image Credits: The floor of the service area was so clean, I could lay on my back on the floor, take a picture of the undercarriage, and not get dirty.
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