The first 10 units of the rare Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition were received by their new owners during a simple ceremony held at the Mazda Premium Experience pavilion in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City last Sunday. The keys of the limited-edition MX-5s were personally handed over by Tom Matano, the legendary designer of the iconic first-generation Mazda MX-5 NA, and Susumu Niinai, General Manager of the ASEAN Business Office, Mazda Motor Corporation.

Witnessed by members of the Miata Club Philippines, the handover ceremonies were highlighted by a display of four generations of the world’s most popular two-seat, open-top sports car.

Speaking to a crowd of MX-5 owners, Susumu Niinai reinforced Mazda’s dedication to make cars that embody Mazda’s Jinba Ittai, or horse and rider as one, philosophy. “Over the years, Mazda has stayed true to its promise of making cars that are truly fun to drive,” shares Susumu Niinai. “Today’s collection of Mazda MX-5s spans 30 years of evolution of this commitment. But more importantly, we also share the same stage with the drivers and owners of these cars as we celebrate the way they live this promise every time they drive their MX-5s. From only 3,000 in total to be produced globally, 30 Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition examples will make their way to the Philippines for an exclusive few to drive and enjoy in the years to come. As we look forward to the next 30 years, we thank you for the continued love and passion you have shown our brand. We are truly grateful and honored to deliver you the driving experience you deserve.”

Tom Matano was likewise appreciative for the love the owners of the MX-5 had shown for the car he helped create. “It is truly heart-warming to see the impact of our idea from more than 30 years ago, on the lives of people around the world,” says Matano. “The Mazda MX-5 has remained true to its original design - an affordable, lightweight sports car – and it makes us happy that more than a million owners around the world have appreciated our hard work over the last 30 years. It is really the smiles that we see as the drivers take on a winding road, or the wind blowing over their heads as they zoom past with the top down, that makes it all worth the effort. Back in the ‘80s, we envisioned the MX-5 to be a sports car for future generations. Three decades on, we are overjoyed to see the vision live on all the way here in the Philippines.”

Matano was invited by Mazda Philippines to join the Miata Fiesta MX-5 30th Anniversary celebration organized by Miata Club Philippines and as guest of honor for the handover of the first batch of 30th Anniversary Edition units.

The Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition cars that will make it to the Philippines come solely in Retractable Fastback form. The Racing Orange color and exclusive upgrades, which include forged 17-inch Rays Engineering wheels, Recaro sports seats, orange-colored Brembo front brake calipers and orange factory brakes in the rears, ultrasuede interior accents, orange interior piping, and a special 30th Anniversary serial number badging, all make the limited production roadster a future collector’s item.

Only 30 units were made available locally, making it the largest allocation of 30th Anniversary Edition units in Asia, outside Japan and matching larger markets such as Australia. All 30 units are spoken for.