Mazda Eunos 1.8 S-Special Type II 1996
This is a truly lovely example of a rare Mazda Eunos: it’s a 1996 Eunos 1.8 S-Special Type II, originally imported from Japan by us back in 2016. It arrived in completely rust-free condition but with some lacquer issues (related to the intense sun in Japan) and we decided to carry out a full respray in its original Montego Blue whilst also carrying out a full check over and comprehensive service including replacement water pump and timing belt. Its only had one doctor owner while here in the UK and he has spent a fortune looking after the car and improving certain areas.
The specification of these later ‘Type II’ cars is interesting: Mazda carried out a few improvements to these later 1.8s and this included a new lightened flywheel, an improved 16-bit ECU, an improved Torsen differential with shorter ratios. This lot meant better acceleration and an engine that revs more freely. On the road, there is an immediate and obvious improvement compared to earlier 1.8s. It also has a lot of extra underbody bracing, especially around the rear subframe/floor area. Its worth mentioning though that this lot was fitted by the factory and are NOT aftermarket parts.
Specification includes electric windows, power steering, stainless steel sill tread plates and matching door speaker surrounds and a Nardi steering wheel. The 15” BBS wheel have recently been refurbished and are fitted with a matching set of Firestone tyres.
Inside, the first thing you’ll notice is that the seats have been re-trimmed and its an extremely good job too. All trim is in good order and the interior is in lovely condition. It has a Pioneer stereo fitted with DAB facility and uprated speakers.
The bodywork is excellent: its never been welded and the sills/wheel arches still have their original spot welds and correct seams everywhere. There is no rust of course. The underside was treated with Dynax when it arrived by Japan including all cavities. I will be refreshing this before its sale. All running gear, subframes etc is in exceptionally good, clean condition and substantially better than most. The paintwork is in very good condition indeed with only the odd very minor stone chip worth mentioning.
As mentioned the previous owner had various jobs carried out including the replacement of the standard, rock hard Bilstein suspension with brand new standard Mazda shocks and springs. It handles beautifully while having improved ride quality.
I have had a quick look through the paperwork that accompanies the car and this shows that the previous owner has spent over £4000 over the last 5 years and 3000 miles. There are invoices for:
Service in May 2017 (159085km
Service in May 2018 (159957km)
Service in April 2019 (161100 km)
Service in April 2020 (162400km)
Service in April 2021 (163011km)
There is a notable receipt for refurbishing the BBS alloy wheels and other cosmetic detailing, carried out in April 2017 for £944, a receipt for retrimming of the seats also in April 2017 for £645 and one for new shock absorbers and headlights in 2016 for £796.
Its now covered 163500km (102000 miles) and as you can imagine, the car drives beautifully with no squeaks or rattles and terrific strong performance. There are three keys along with a file of paperwork (old MOT certificates and receipts). Its MOT tested until April next year though I will include a new MOT.
I’m pretty sure that very few – if any – Mazda Eunos are being imported from Japan these days and this is a rare chance to buy a rare model that has never been welded or needed structural repairs. Price is £6995.
STATUS: DEPOSIT NOW TAKEN
The specification of these later ‘Type II’ cars is interesting: Mazda carried out a few improvements to these later 1.8s and this included a new lightened flywheel, an improved 16-bit ECU, an improved Torsen differential with shorter ratios. This lot meant better acceleration and an engine that revs more freely. On the road, there is an immediate and obvious improvement compared to earlier 1.8s. It also has a lot of extra underbody bracing, especially around the rear subframe/floor area. Its worth mentioning though that this lot was fitted by the factory and are NOT aftermarket parts.
Specification includes electric windows, power steering, stainless steel sill tread plates and matching door speaker surrounds and a Nardi steering wheel. The 15” BBS wheel have recently been refurbished and are fitted with a matching set of Firestone tyres.
Inside, the first thing you’ll notice is that the seats have been re-trimmed and its an extremely good job too. All trim is in good order and the interior is in lovely condition. It has a Pioneer stereo fitted with DAB facility and uprated speakers.
The bodywork is excellent: its never been welded and the sills/wheel arches still have their original spot welds and correct seams everywhere. There is no rust of course. The underside was treated with Dynax when it arrived by Japan including all cavities. I will be refreshing this before its sale. All running gear, subframes etc is in exceptionally good, clean condition and substantially better than most. The paintwork is in very good condition indeed with only the odd very minor stone chip worth mentioning.
As mentioned the previous owner had various jobs carried out including the replacement of the standard, rock hard Bilstein suspension with brand new standard Mazda shocks and springs. It handles beautifully while having improved ride quality.
I have had a quick look through the paperwork that accompanies the car and this shows that the previous owner has spent over £4000 over the last 5 years and 3000 miles. There are invoices for:
Service in May 2017 (159085km
Service in May 2018 (159957km)
Service in April 2019 (161100 km)
Service in April 2020 (162400km)
Service in April 2021 (163011km)
There is a notable receipt for refurbishing the BBS alloy wheels and other cosmetic detailing, carried out in April 2017 for £944, a receipt for retrimming of the seats also in April 2017 for £645 and one for new shock absorbers and headlights in 2016 for £796.
Its now covered 163500km (102000 miles) and as you can imagine, the car drives beautifully with no squeaks or rattles and terrific strong performance. There are three keys along with a file of paperwork (old MOT certificates and receipts). Its MOT tested until April next year though I will include a new MOT.
I’m pretty sure that very few – if any – Mazda Eunos are being imported from Japan these days and this is a rare chance to buy a rare model that has never been welded or needed structural repairs. Price is £6995.
STATUS: DEPOSIT NOW TAKEN