Yours looks great, and as for Project Merlot…
Totally agree though that if you want, the standard Merlot just looks right, then why change. But equally anyone who wants to do some mods, why not?! I was in to the classic mini scene for years and loved the variety of cars out there. Looking forward to getting out and about this year and getting to some events and meeting other MX5ers.
My thoughts entirely. I’ve added style bars, heated seats, a chrome stripe and an early Merlot steering wheel. That’s about it for the bits you can see, There were 19 Merlots at Chatsworth last year. Heavily modded ones were Project Merlot, the skirted route taken by Nemesis and a lowered and supercharged one which I don’t know too much about. Nice to see the alternatives and good on them for doing it. If it’s your car you can do what the hell you like to it. You will always get the odd person who will say ‘You shouldn’t have done that’ but who cares. Variety is the spice of life and it’s the spice of this club too. Think it’s time to get off my soap box now. I’ll get my coat…
No coat required by me…
Just out of interest (as I’m still quite ‘green’ to MX5s) what was the difference in the steering wheels, did the later Merlots have an airbag wheel? Mine has the three spoke leather one, is that one a Nardi as have seen Gleneagles ones on eBay that say they are and look the same as mine?
Sorry if this is a dumb question!
She used to be mine!!! Sold her for a mk 3, still miss her. But God she’s looking good!
Owner number 2
Hi
The best site i have found that explanes the differance in the Merlot is http://www.dandycars.com/
click UK limited additions for the full story. One thing for sure with the leatherv steering wheel you have got the better option!
Regards Julian
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="../members/12will08.aspx">12will08</a></span></span> <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You obviously took care of her as she still drives like a dream!! I'm looking after her so hopefully she will be in good nick for a while yet!</span></span>
Thanks Julian HT, very interesting read.
Hadn’t spotted the link on the Dandy Cars site before. Doesn’t tell the full story though. The production of the Merlot spanned the 96 and 97 model years. First 400 96, last 200 97. As well as the change from leather to placky wheel the wiper the indicator stalks went from straight to cranked. I believe there were some changes under the bonnet too. Something to do with pipework I think. Don’t know too much about the bits in there. If it’s got a max mark that’s where it should be full to, it should purr not rattle, if something drips down or squirts up get it sorted. Think that’s most of what you need to know.
I have a '96 Merlot which I bought in Feb’06, which I believe to be one of the last 200 as it came with the plastic wheel (I since replaced it with the earlier wheel, much nicer!). She came with a Merlot hard top and electric windows, which as a combination I think is a bit unusual (?) We added a stainless exhaust and a K&N induction kit. She’s been garaged since we had our son last April, but now I’m back at work I’m hoping to get her back on the road in the next couple of weeks, and maybe to some local shows (the first time I will have done that). She’s in pretty good nick from what I know, we’ve done the following:
Work: Resprayed bonnet (laquer failed), wing repair and spray (unexplained dent in the wheel arch, looked like soneone has crashed headling into it on a push bike), sills replaced. Needs a small rust bubble repair on the rear arch, alarm system/immob needs a good talking to, and small repair to seat stitching.
Fun: Two week driving holiday through France and down to Lake Garda with the 'folks in a Merc SLK (our mini convoy turned a few heads!), one week driving to the Dordogne, and a few laps round Snetterton under instruction - great fun!, and lots of B road antics round east Suffolk 
Once the dust cover’s off and she’s out of the garage I’ll upload some pics.
If there are any east Suffolk Merlots about, I’m looking into going to the Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic & Sports cars and the Motor Show at Stonham Barns, it would be good to see some others!
Claire.
Hi Paul & Elaine. No doubt you have thought of this already, but anyway. I was wondering what about getting a date in the calender some time soon for a met of as many “Merlots” that can make it?
Regards Julian
Nice idea but I’m sure that they will be pretty much spread out around
the UK. It’s not like popping out to a local group meeting for the evening. We are near Lincoln which is pretty central but if I were to suggest meeting up for a pub lunch and a drive round some of our local beauty spots I’m guessing you and most others would decide it wasn’t worth it. However how about trying to sort something for the Billing Aquadrome National in September? There were 19 Merlots at Chatsworth last year. Got pictures of 18 myself and was pretty annoyed to find I had missed number 19. The pictures are in the thread I started under ‘Merlot at Chatsworth’. Maybe this year it might be possible to get everyone together for a group photo or drive or picnic or whatever we fancy. Sound good to you?
Paul
Sounds really nice, and sounds like you’ve done lots of work to keep her that way! Nice spec with the hardtop and electric windows. Look forward to seeing your pics and enjoy the shows.
That sounds like a good plan Paul. I went to the Mallory meet a few years ago and saw one leaving as I arrived and one parked which is hardly a Merlot gathering! Just need to pack the tent and camping gear and we will be there!
Since we saw you at Silverstone, we have bought another one (though not a Merlot)
OK Guys & Girls!
How many of us “Merlot” fans are going to the National on the 18th September?
For me it will bre my first National so I don’t know what to expect, hope it’s worth the 390 mile round trip and we get a good turn out.
Regards Julian
Missed the Hop Farm but will certainly try to get to the National on the Sunday .
Steve
I will definitely be there - it’s only up the road for me. I’m really looking forward to meeting fellow Merlot fans there!
I’ll be there!
Can I come out to play with my Eunos VR Combination please ?
It is “Merlot” coloured after all 
I like the wheels.What brnad? Did they come with the car or did you buy then?
Hi there, sadly I have no idea but I can check by having a look later on when I get home.
They came with the car and I suspect that they are original although I don’t know for sure.
I’m going to get them re-furbed this winter so hopefully they’ll look even better 
Don’t know if the owners of that one are still on the forum. Spotted it for sale on eBay a couple of months back. Always like to keep an eye on anything Merlot related.