In pictures: 30 years of the Mazda MX-5

Prototype MX-5

Fortunately, of Mazda's competing designs, the front engine, rear-wheel drive option was selected. These two were the prototypes; the one up front was a working one while the one behind was just a model.

MX-5 Mk I (NA)

The first-generation MX-5 was introduced in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and was in production until 1997. Its most prominent design was the retractable headlights.

MX-5 electric

An electric prototype of the MX-5 was created in 1993 with the help of Chugoku Electric Power. It could reach a top speed of 80 miles per hour and had a range of 110 miles. It's also substantially heavier than the petrol-powered car, weighing around 1,400 kilos. Subsequently, a hydrogen prototype version of the MX-5 was also born.

M Speedster Concept

The M Speedster Concept was conceived in 1995 and featured a small windscreen with side mirrors mounted on the A-pillars.

M Coupe Concept

MX-5 Mk II (NB)

Mono-Posto Concept

MX-5 Mk II (NB) Coupe

Towards the end of the MX-5 NB's production, a coupe version was made but only sold in Japan. Only 179 units were made with just 63 of those accounted for by the 160 bhp 'S' version.

MX-5 Mk III (NC)

The third-generation MX-5 NC was born in 1995 and went on production for 10 years until 2015. This was the first MX-5 to have a power retractable hard top version, which became the predecessor to the gorgeous RF (Retractable Fastback) version we know and love today.

MX-5 Superlight Concept

On its 20th anniversary, Mazda introduced the MX-5 Superlight Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It only had 126 horses, but it also boasted very little weight, allowing it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds.

MX-5 GT Concept

MX-5 Super 25 Concept

The MX-5 Super25 Concept was conceived with endurance racing in mind. It was introduced in 2012 as a tribute to the brand's historic 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans win.

MX-5 Mk IV (ND)

The current-generation MX-5 ND was unveiled in 2014 and considered one of the sexiest roadster in the market today. It has a retractable fastback (RF) version and comes with two engine choices. After a 2018 update, a modified engine gave the roadster more oomph with 181 horsepower.

MX-5 Number 1,000,000

The millionth Mazda MX-5 came off the production line on April 22, 2016 after 27 years and four generations of the world's best-selling roadster.

MX-5 Spyder Concept

The MX-5 Spyder Concept was introduced at the 2015 SEMA alongside the Speedster Concept. It showcased the car's lightweight construction with its bikini top and carbon-fibre aerodynamic body kits, allowing it to just weigh 1,042 kg.

MX-5 Speedster Evolution Concept