Pristine 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata with Ultra-Low Mileage Showcased at DFW Car & Toy Museum
A remarkably preserved 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata with under 5,700 miles is now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, highlighting the enduring significance of the model that revitalized the affordable sports car segment.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum is currently exhibiting a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata from the Ron Sturgeon Collection, notable for its exceptionally low mileage of fewer than 5,700 original miles. This early-production NA Miata represents a pristine example of the model that redefined the affordable sports car market upon its launch in 1989 for the 1990 model year, combining classic roadster appeal with modern reliability.
Powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four engine producing 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle features a five-speed manual transmission and an optional limited-slip differential, embodying the driving engagement that made the Miata a global phenomenon. Its design includes period-correct elements such as chrome exhaust tips, color-keyed bumpers and mirror caps, and signature pop-up headlights, maintaining the iconic profile that enthusiasts celebrate.
Inside, the cabin retains original features including a cassette stereo with headrest-integrated speakers, while the air conditioning was upgraded to R134 refrigerant in 2021. The dashboard houses a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 140-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel, oil pressure, and coolant temperature, offering a authentic glimpse into early 1990s automotive technology.
The display underscores the Miata's historical importance in revitalizing the sports car segment by offering driving enjoyment in a lightweight, balanced package. Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the rarity of such a well-preserved example, stating, "The original Miata changed the sports car world forever — offering driving joy in its purest form. Finding one with such remarkably low mileage and in this condition is extremely rare."
This exhibition is part of the museum's broader collection of over 200 collector cars and 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts, accessible at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The museum's focus on automotive history, from rare exotics to beloved models like the Miata, provides context for understanding design and engineering evolution, making this display significant for both enthusiasts and historians analyzing enduring automotive legacies.