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Did you get your Mazda MX-5 RF invitation?

22 August, 2016

 

That’s right Miata fans, if you want one of the awesome-looking Mazda MX-5 Retractable Fastbacks (RF), you’re going to need to be on Mazda’s emailing list. Mazda displayed the RF-model MX-5 at various auto shows as a concept, and, as it received a great deal of praise, they’ve decided to produce 1000 of them to test the waters — but they’re only being offered to those ‘worthy’ of the ownership. 

For me, the RF model was the styling revamp that the MX-5 needed. I don’t like soft-tops, and the styling of the later MX-5s aren’t what I’d call ‘manly’. With the addition of the fastback, the MX-5 now has a new road presence worth talking about. With a lower ride height and a set of aggressive wheels, the MX-5 could out ‘manly’ a few muscle cars.

The RF will be offered in both a manual and automatic transmission. Still, the factory 1.5-litre and two-litre variants don’t produce any power worth mentioning. The RF model will only come in the Machine Gray with a black roof panel colour, as seen here in the images, and will feature Auburn Nappa leather on the inside. 

Project Adder – an MGB with bite

21 November, 2025

Bill and Rae Denize have been active MG Car Club members in Wellington for nearly 32 years. They have held a variety of positions on the club committee, and now that they are both retired, they can be even more involved in the club’s activities. Bill is currently the president of the MG Car Club, Wellington Centre.
The list of cars they’ve owned over the years is testament to their passion for the brand. It includes a 1972 Midget — the round rear-wheel arch model with 1275cc motor; a three-door 2004 MG ZR; a 2005 MG ZR (five-door); and Rae’s 2005 MG TF, which they still own. Bill also raced a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S at Manfeild for many years. That car featured in an article in the January 2013 issue of this magazine.
In April 2013, Bill sold the Cooper S and decided to buy a low mileage, freshly imported MG RV8 from Japan. He liked the idea as there were only 1983 built in the early 1990s, which, hopefully, would translate into these cars holding their value. More importantly, their bodies were galvanised, which meant fewer rust problems, although Bill and Rae didn’t escape encounters with oxidation unscathed.