The Rare British Roadster That Helped Inspire The Mazda Miata
Jalopnik••technology
Key Points:
- The Mazda Miata, an iconic affordable two-seat convertible sports car, remains unique in 2025 for offering a minimal-frills driving experience suitable for both commuting and weekend enjoyment.
- The Miata's primary inspiration was the British Lotus Elan, a lightweight and tiny sports car from the 1960s known for its nimble handling and balanced chassis, emphasizing "less is more" rather than raw power.
- The Miata's creation was driven by American automotive journalist Bob Hall, who collaborated with Mazda in the late 1970s and 1980s to revive the spirit of classic British sports cars for the modern market.
- Both the Miata and the Lotus Elan share design and engineering philosophies, including rear
