This Mk2.5 Mazda MX-5 SP is a smart example of the remarkably rare turbocharged open-top sports car, offered from long-term ownership and enhanced by a raft of discerning performance upgrades. Under the bonnet sits a turbocharged 1.8-litre inline-four, which sends 157kW and 289Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This MX-5 SP is the first of three ’pre-production’ SPs built for promotional purposes by Mazda Australia. This can be verified by the engraving on the underside of the SP’s carbon fibre airbox (’J/N PP001’), as shown in the photographs. One of only four Supreme Blue SPs of the 100 built, this car was featured in various magazine articles and photo shoots at the time, including the February 2002 issue of Wheels magazine. It was acquired by the seller in November 2002 from Eurocars Mazda as a used demonstrator vehicle with purchase receipt available. The MX-5 SP (Special Performance) was a limited-production model produced by Mazda Australia to address the issue of the model feeling somewhat underpowered. It featured several performance upgrades including a Garrett GT2560R ball bearing turbocharger, a bespoke cast Inconel exhaust manifold, intercooler, higher capacity radiator, upgraded fuel injectors, an ECU remap, a carbon-fibre air box, and a stainless-steel exhaust system. This example is finished in the lesser-seen hue of Supreme Blue with a new black convertible roof, over a black cloth-trimmed interior, featuring perforated seat inserts and stainless-steel trim accents. It rides on an aftermarket set of 16-inch Lenso LS GT alloy wheels, shod in Bridgestone Potenza tyres. The SP factory specification includes a subtle ‘SP’ rear decal, stainless-steel tread plates, electric windows, air conditioning, an aluminium gear knob, and unique floor mats. The turbocharged 1.8-litre engine was rebuilt and upgraded in 2013, and now features Carrilo ‘A-beam’ rods, Wiseco forged pistons, ARP main and head studs, an aftermarket ‘piggy-back’ ECU, and an SP Motorsport cold air intake and MAP sensor. The drivetrain and suspension have been upgraded with a Guru Racing torque-biased limited-slip differential, urethane suspension bushes, Bilstein PSS9 dampers and springs, and a Whiteline front sway bar and adjustable end links. This example also features a new Robins ‘stay fast’ cloth convertible roof, a Turbosmart e-Boost Street 40 boost controller, and a Pioneer media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car will be supplied with its original carbon-fibre air box, the original purchase invoice from Eurocars Mazda, a spare wheel, a sales brochure, the Guru Racing differential information leaflet, and a fair collection of maintenance invoices. The seller notes that the vehicle sustained minor front and rear damage from a rear end impact in 2010, which pushed the stationary car into the vehicle in front. The rear bumper was replaced, and the other damaged areas were repaired. The repairer’s quote is available to review the extent of the minor and mostly cosmetic repairs if required. The Supreme Blue paintwork is reported to be in good overall condition given the car’s age and usage. There is heavy stone chipping on the front bumper and bonnet, slight discolouration on the headlights, stone chips on the front wings, light scratches on the front bumper, a scuff on the lower offside front bumper, small chips on the upper edge of the driver’s door, minor stone chips on the door mirror covers, and chips on the edge of the passenger door. Moving inside, the cabin is presented in generally good shape given the car’s mileage, though there is wear on the steering wheel, minor blemishes on the centre console, wear on the gear gaiter, scuffs and a tear on the driver’s door card, scratches on the tread plates, scratches on the back of the passenger seat, and stretching on the seats, with signs of wear on the driver’s seat bolsters, and a small area of damage on the driver’s seat’s inner perforated insert. There are also marks on the underside of the boot lid The seller is not aware of any mechanical or electrical faults, and they state that there are no warning lights showing on the dashboard. This MX-5 SP’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out at around 280,000 Kms by the seller, a trained and licensed automotive mechanic. This consisted of an engine oil and filter change, and the air filter being cleaned. Prior to this, the seller performed engine oil and filter changes at 10,000 Km intervals Other notable maintenance includes the engine being rebuilt in 2013 (at approx. 230,000Kms), and a full suspension overhaul. This Mazda MX-5 SP is a smart example of the remarkably rare locally turbocharged roadster, from long-term ownership and enhanced by a host of discerning performance upgrades. The first of only 100 examples produced exclusively for the Australian market, with a potent turbocharged engine coupled to an engaging six-speed manual gearbox, it would make a fine addition to any collection of lesser-seen modern classics, and an enjoyable companion for spirited B-road sprints, which could easily be pressed into service as a fun daily driver. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.