I thought I’d heard that Monacos had steel wheels in some markets, so it’s good to see it confirmed that they left the factory with steelies.
The 90hp motor will be fine for me now. I’ve had quick MX5s before and got them out of my system and I don’t go far nowadays. And I can get used to using 4th on motorway hills that I didn’t previously know existed.
I also have a 10AE and previously had an S-Special. All on Billies. All rode and rattled dreadfully compared to a previous NC BBR200 which was on Konis and BBR springs. I’d love to try some Meister CRDs but can’t see how these can add their own value, whereas I do think that power steering can possibly add its cost of under £400 to a Monaco for some/most buyers. In any case, you’re right, the only reason I’m not enjoying the Monaco is the lack of power steering, so I probably would fit it for myself even if it didn’t add value, but not if it reduced value by 50%. But if money were no object I’d add power steering and an LSD and a supercharger, which would definitely reduce its value, except to maybe 0.00001% of the population. There again, if money were no object, I might not be limiting my car ownership just to oldish MX5s.
Obviously I am not making myself clear. The Monaco was a UK only car. Never existed anywhere else. It is not a factory special edition. It one step up from what was called a dealer special, maybe call it an importer special. Just a way for MCL to shift more metal with more markup.
What left the factory in Japan in 1996 was a 1.6i, in green, with a black cloth interior. MCL (in Sheerness?) then added wheels and stickers, and called it a Monaco.
The mods were done by the previous previous owner. He did not take the car on the track. He just did a bunch of mods, some of them sensible, some of them irrelevant.
The car looks great and like you I could not care less about the lower horsepower engine. The last thing MX5 ownership is about is power as lots of Boxter, TT, Z3, etc owners would agree. I’ve owned my 88bhp since 2002, My other half has a 1991 Eunos, 115bhp. There really isn’t that much difference on the road despite the 30% power difference, although totally agree with you on the power steering. I won’t be bothering on my car but can totally see the point of an upgrade. Your car has significant value because of its condition. Adding power steering will add to your enjoyment of the car and in my opinion will be neutral on value. Do it for yourself and keep the car for as long as possible; it will only appreciate in value.
Your car is in exceptional condition; far more important than a few HP but at the end of the day you could change the engine. Getting rid of rust is a much harder task.
Thanks rhino. Power steering is done and the car is nicer to drive. I’ve had high horsepower cars and no longer feel the need of them. I do use a 140hp MX5 with amazing suspension on the track though so I get to keep up with some cars and so Phyllis doesn’t go on the track. She’ll have gold period 14" BBSs on soon, and I’ve found an as-new Neo Green hardtop for her. I never use hardtops myself, but it makes her pretty much complete.
If maybe 25% of the value is because it is basically unused and never been out in the wet, then it isn’t really a sensible buy for someone who wants to use it and potentially get it wet as that premium will then disappear.