Mazda introduced the Miata RF in late 2016, offering a retractable hardtop option for the fourth-generation roadster. However, a 2023 model owner of the Miata RF now regrets their decision and prefers the ragtop version.
Although the Miata RF has a solid roof, it is still considered a convertible for track-day purposes. This means that if the owner wishes to compete in their local time-attack series, they would need to install a roll bar. While retailers do offer roll bars, installing one interferes with the retractable functionality of the roof. As a result, once the roll bar is installed, the roof cannot be lowered, which is a feature the owner enjoys.
A 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster recently made headlines by setting a new auction sale record. This iconic vehicle sold for an impressive $1.139 million (equivalent to 911,250 pounds) during Gooding & Company’s 2023 London Auction. Notably, it is the first E-Type ever sold and the fourth right-hand-drive roadster variant produced.
Adding to its significance, this particular E-Type Roadster has a fascinating backstory linked to Jaguar. It was initially owned by Frank England, who played a key role in the brand’s sports car racing program during the 1950s and later became the CEO of the automaker.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a legendary roadster that encapsulates the pure essence of driving, celebrating the art of driving rather than just speed or power.
Despite its compact size, the Miata offers a comfortable interior design with features like thin armrests, a narrow console, and spacious footwells, although it does have limited trunk space.
The MX-5 Miata has evolved over the years, with each generation bringing its own design and performance enhancements, while still maintaining the Miata’s iconic charm and delivering an unadulterated driving experience.
The year was 1989. In the vast expanse of the automotive realm, amidst roaring engines and gleaming hoods, a humble star was born at the Chicago auto show: the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Fast forward three decades and this spirited roadster stands tall with a legacy not many cars can claim. What is it about this Japanese creation that oozes magic? It’s not merely about being a sports car; it’s about encapsulating the pure essence of driving.
From its inaugural roll-out, the MX-5 Miata defied conventions, donning multiple personas across continents. In the Land of the Rising Sun, it joyfully rode as the ‘Mazda Roadster’, and even wore the badge of ‘Eunos Roadster’ for a brief period. Across the Atlantic, in the star-spangled boulevards of the U.S., it reveled as the iconic ‘Mazda Miata’.
But names and badges aside, the Miata’s recipe for enchantment has remained uncompromised. The beauty lies in its simplicity – a sleek two-seater, an agile inline-four under the hood, and the allure of an open top, inviting the sky to join the journey. This wasn’t a car just about speed or power; it celebrated the art of driving.
In an era where automotive behemoths tip the scales, the Miata continues to dance around the 2,500-pound mark, standing as a testament to Mazda’s dedication to an unadulterated driving experience. Yet, amidst its laudable achievements, including the crowning glory of being the world’s best-selling roadster, the Miata’s true charm lies in its attainability. It’s the quintessential enthusiast’s delight, delivering thrills without burning holes in pockets or flouting speed limits.
Mazda’s Miata Debut: A Melody Of Memories, Motors, And Mastery
Mazda
Mazda’s MX-5 Miata made a grand entrance at the 1989 Chicago auto show, stealing limelight amidst legends like the Acura NSX and the Nissan 300ZX. What began as an internal debate at Mazda in the late 70s between the allure of a mid-engine variant and the pull of a front-wheel-drive design led to the birth of a classic; the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster, inspired by vintage British sports car aesthetics.
Its debut model, the NA generation, danced into the 1990s sporting a reminiscent design of the 60s Lotus Elan, but tailored for modern tastes. The Miata’s charm wasn’t just skin deep; beneath the hood roared a sprightly 1.6-liter engine delivering 116 horsepower, which later evolved into a zippier 1.8-liter powerhouse boasting 133 horsepower. Initial enthusiasts experienced its thrill with a five-speed manual, though Mazda soon introduced an automatic version for a broader appeal.
But what truly sealed its iconic status were those whimsical pop-up headlights, animating the roadster with an almost sentient smile. As years passed, Mazda celebrated its success with limited editions. The 1991 British Racing Green edition, a nod to Britain’s Grand Prix legacy, and the Sunburst Yellow variant of 1992, among others, became coveted collectibles.
Initially 1.6L (116 horsepower), Later 1.8L (133 horsepower)
Transmission
Initial 5-speed manual, Automatic introduced later
Key Exterior Feature
Pop-up headlights
Special Editions
1991 British Racing Green, 1992 Sunburst Yellow, ’93 LE, M Edition series
Interior Design
Thin armrests, narrow console, spacious footwells
Quirks
Limited trunk space, Challenges for taller drivers
Legacy Feature
Whimsical pop-up headlights
Performance Legacy
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster design
Despite its compact frame, the Miata’s interior was ingeniously designed. Thin armrests, a narrow console, and spacious footwells ensured passengers journeyed in comfort. Sure, there were quirks – limited trunk space, and taller drivers perhaps needed a baseball cap, but these were endearments, not flaws.
Special editions, like the ’93 LE with its daring blood-red interiors and the M Edition series, celebrated the Miata’s journey, paying homage to its design legacy while integrating modern amenities.
1999 marked a pivotal turn in the narrative of the beloved MX-5 Miata. Transitioning into its second generation and christened the NB, this roadster shed its cherubic charm. Gone were the iconic flip-up headlights, replaced by a pair of fixed, fervent eyes. This change was more than skin deep – the once delicate silhouette transformed into a more muscular and curvaceous body, signaling the Miata’s maturation.
Under the hood, Mazda’s dedication to performance was evident. The 1.8-liter engine underwent enhancements, seeing its vigor rise to a sprightly 140 horsepower, and further boosted to an impressive 155 by 2001. Keen drivers rejoiced when a six-speed manual transmission was introduced, initially reserved for the crème de la crème of the NB range. Yet, the four-speed automatic and the five-speed manual weren’t abandoned, catering to varying driver preferences.
Inside, the Miata saw a blend of nostalgia and novelty. Curves became more pronounced and edges softened, evoking a sense of luxury. Steering wheels became symbolic of distinction; while the Nardi three-spoke wheel graced almost every model, a peculiar four-spoke design was the hallmark of the 1999 base model.
Special editions became the hallmark of the NB era, with the most notable being the 10th Anniversary Edition. Dressed exclusively in Sapphire Blue Mica, it was a celebration of a decade of automotive excellence. Not only did it sport a flamboyant blue-and-black interior theme, but it also boasted features like a Bose audio system, stainless-steel door-sill plates, and the coveted Nardi wheel.
Mazdaspeed with turbocharged engine (178 horsepower), 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds
Legacy
NB remains a sought-after generation by enthusiasts and collectors
By 2001, British Racing Green made a comeback with a limited edition, decked out with features like polished 16-inch wheels, chrome gauge trims, and a tasteful tan interior. However, 2003 saw Mazda’s creative zenith, unveiling three special edition Miatas, each with unique aesthetic offerings.
A momentous shift occurred when Mazda introduced factory-installed forced induction for the very first time. The Mazdaspeed variant, a brainchild of Mazda’s performance division, was turbocharged to produce a whopping 178 horsepower. Not just an exercise in power, its enhanced suspension and racing-inspired wheels made it a force to be reckoned with, clocking 0 to 60 mph in a mere 6.7 seconds.
In 2006, Mazda unveiled the NC MX-5, blending tradition with modernity. Unlike its predecessors, this iteration momentarily shunned the ‘Miata’ badge, only to reclaim it later. Its DNA echoed the original Miata’s charm, evident in design nuances like the center hood bulge, familiar head and taillights, and the pronounced windshield surround.
Yet, under the hood, the NC was anything but old-school, boasting a punchy 2.0-liter engine, churning out a commendable 170 horsepower – nearly rivaling its turbocharged ancestor, the Mazdaspeed. Beyond the aesthetics and powertrain, the interior narrated a tale of luxury. An expansive cabin with a touch of opulence greeted the driver, without compromising the snugness characteristic of the Miata lineage.
2007 was a watershed year for the NC. Engineering marvels were showcased in the Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT) model. This transformer, despite the added mechanics, maintained a lean stature, weighing a mere 100 pounds more than its soft-top sibling. This innovative hardtop, seamlessly tucking away, became an immediate sensation, and soon, the PRHT variant began dominating the Miata sales charts.
2013 heralded the arrival of the ‘Club’ variant – a tribute to sportiness. Resplendent with dark 17-inch wheels, a monochromatic black roof, rocker-panel stripes, and a slew of interior embellishments, the Club stood out. Manual aficionados were treated to a sixth gear, complemented by a sport suspension, Bilstein dampers, and a limited-slip diff.
Center hood bulge, Familiar head and taillights, Pronounced windshield surround
Engine
2.0L with 170 horsepower
Interior
Expansive cabin with touches of opulence
Significant Model
2007 Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT)
Weight of PRHT
Only 100 pounds more than soft-top
Special Editions/Variants
‘Club’ variant (2013) with dark 17-inch wheels, black roof, and sport enhancements; 25th Anniversary special edition in Soul Red with almond leather interiors
Transmission
6-speed manual available in ‘Club’ variant
Performance Enhancements
Sport suspension, Bilstein dampers, Limited-slip differential for ‘Club’ variant
Legacy Remarks
Blended tradition with modernity, Reclaimed ‘Miata’ badge later
Commemorating a quarter-century of the Miata legacy, Mazda launched the 25th Anniversary special edition. Swathed in Soul Red paint, this edition had meticulous attention to detail, from its almond-hued leather interiors to the engine’s meticulously handpicked components.
In 2016, the world was introduced to an audaciously daring and ravishingly aggressive Mazda MX-5 Miata – the ND generation. No longer just a cute roadster, this iteration roared with a demeanor that was unmistakably upscale. Its 2.0-liter engine didn’t just bark but delivered a bite with 155 horsepower, and later an invigorated 181 horsepower in 2019, making it the swiftest Miata to grace the roads.
The meticulously designed interior underscored Mazda’s commitment to raw, driving-centric pleasure. Stripped to the essentials, every dial and screen existed for purpose, not pomp. 2016 saw the introduction of the Retractable Fastback (RF), a masterstroke of design innovation. This Miata was neither coupe nor convertible but a mesmerizing blend of both. At a touch, the roof would perform an elegant dance, converting the car into a Targa-style marvel.
But Mazda wasn’t done making history. Celebrating the Miata’s 30-year legacy, a vibrant Racing Orange Anniversary Edition emerged in 2019, limited in number but boundless in appeal.
2.0L; 155 horsepower (initially), Enhanced to 181 horsepower in 2019
Interior Design
Driver-centric, Stripped to essentials
Special Model
2016 Retractable Fastback (RF)
RF Feature
Roof convertible to Targa-style with elegant mechanism
Special Editions/Variants
Racing Orange Anniversary Edition (2019)
Legacy Remarks
Evolved to more aggressive and upscale design, Celebrated 30 years of the Miata legacy
Yet, as Mazda commemorated a century, whispers of the Miata’s future electrified the air. The next generation, it seems, will be a dance with hybrid technology. In a world of constant evolution, the MX-5 Miata stands as testament to Mazda’s unyielding pursuit of driving purity.
The Rolls-Royce Drop Tail is a modern two-seat roadster that pays homage to the coachbuilt drop-tops that solidified the brand’s position as a luxury leader a century ago.
This ultra-exclusive vehicle is the result of a four-year collaboration between Rolls-Royce and four clients. It is considered the pinnacle of the company’s in-house coachbuilding capabilities, joining the ranks of the highly sought-after Sweptail (2017) and Boat Tail (2021) as part of a series of multi-million-pound bespoke vehicles.
While Rolls-Royce does not disclose the prices for these coachbuilt specials, it is known that each of the four Drop Tails cost their respective owners more than the £20 million Boat Tail.
Unlike a simple redesign of the retired Dawn convertible, the Drop Tail features an entirely new monocoque chassis made from steel, aluminium, and carbon fibre. This marks a first for Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild division, as previous bespoke models were based on the Architecture of Luxury platform, which also underpins the Cullinan, Ghost, and Phantom.
Powering the Drop Tail is a specially tuned, twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine. It delivers 593bhp and 620lb ft of torque – an increase of 30bhp in power compared to the Phantom, but a decrease of 44lb ft in torque. While performance figures have not been released, it is expected that the Drop Tail will closely match the V12-powered Dawn, featuring a sub-5.0-second 0-62mph time and a top speed limited to 155mph.
According to Rolls-Royce design director Anders Warming, the V12 engine was chosen over an electric powertrain because the brand wanted to celebrate the roadster and the V12 powertrain, which will be a focal point for the next few years. Warming also mentioned that electric coachbuilds may come into play in the future.
Measuring 5.3m in length and 2.0m in width, the Drop Tail is smaller than the electric Spectre. Its distinctive silhouette is characterized by a low coupe-like roofline inspired by “chop-top” hot rods, giving the vehicle a more sporty character compared to other mainstream Rolls-Royce models. Additional design elements include blade-shaped haunches and a large carbon fibre rear diffuser, finished in semi-clear lacquer to accentuate its prominent position on the painted body.
A Lamborghini Centenario Roadster, an exceptional piece of Italian automotive craftsmanship, is currently available for purchase at Ferrari Maserati Alfa Romeo of Fort Lauderdale. This exclusive supercar represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Lamborghini’s illustrious history. With only 40 Centenario models produced worldwide (20 coupes and 20 roadsters), the significance of this Centenario for sale cannot be overstated.
This particular Lamborghini Centenario Roadster, adorned with a stunning Bianco Pheme finish and a Nero Ade Alcantara interior, is a true sight to behold. Not only is it in pristine condition, but it also boasts an exceptionally low mileage, making it a dream acquisition for car collectors.
The Centenario is a testament to Lamborghini’s commitment to both performance and luxury. This model, based on the formidable Aventador SVJ, features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, along with aluminum front and rear subframes, showcasing the seamless fusion of robust strength and lightweight agility.
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Powering this beast is a tuned 6.5 L V12 engine, delivering a hair-raising 759 hp at 8,500 rpm and 509 lbs-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. The same 7-speed ISR automated manual gearbox found in the Aventador ensures smooth power delivery, coupled with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain developed by Haldex.
Enhancing its dynamic performance, the Centenario offers three driving modes: Strada for everyday city driving, Sport for unleashing high-performance capabilities, and Corsa for the ultimate track experience. Inside, the car boasts luxurious carbon fiber trims and shift paddles, with sound-deadening materials removed for a more visceral and intimate driving experience.
This Lamborghini Centenario, available for sale at Ferrari Fort Lauderdale, is more than just a car—it’s a tangible part of the Lamborghini legacy. If you desire an automobile that exudes excitement and exclusivity in every detail, the Centenario Roadster is your ticket to exhilaration.
In the world of rare and exclusive Lamborghinis, the limited-production Sián Roadster stands out as a pinnacle hypercar for the Italian supercar manufacturer. Assembled and allocated in extremely limited quantity, Lamborghini produced a total of 63 Sián Coupes and only 19 Sián Roadsters. While spotting one of the multi-million dollar hypercars proves to be a difficult task in itself, the opportunity to purchase a Lamborghini Sián Roadster is even rarer. Today, we are proud to showcase this incredible 1-of-19 2021 Lamborghini Sián Roadster as one of the many supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY.
Not only does this example hold significance as one of very few ever made, but it also is documented as the first Lamborghini Sián Roadster delivered to the United States. The exterior of this configuration features Lamborghini’s stealthy Grigio Lynx finish with vibrant Rosso Efesto accents. Along with pinstripes that highlight the Sián Roadster’s shape, the bright red shade also displays a fade effect on the rear engine cover. Tons of exposed gloss carbon fiber demonstrate Lamborghini’s focus on engineering the Sián to be lightweight and aerodynamic.
Inside, the Lamborghini Sián Roadster’s interior perfectly mirrors the design of its exterior. Black Alcantara and red leather layer the driver-focused cockpit, covering everything from the carbon sports bucket seats to its center console. A special plaque below the infotainment screen reads “1 di 19” to commemorate the Lamborghini Sián Roadster’s production.
Responsible for generating over 773 horsepower and 532 lb-ft of torque, Lamborghini equipped the Sián Roadster with an electrically-assisted 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 engine. A 7-speed semi-automatic transmission manages to launch the Sián Roadster from 0-60mph in only 2.6 seconds, with an overall top speed of 217mph. With design, performance, and technology all incorporated into its DNA, the Sián Roadster proves to be the perfect hypercar for a true Lamborghini aficionado. This phenomenal 2021 Lamborghini Sián Roadster is currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.
Bugatti is getting ready for a new chapter by expanding its headquarters in Molsheim. The French luxury carmaker has recently introduced the Mistral roadster and the track-only Bolide as a farewell to the quad-turbo W16 engine, with limited production of 99 roofless hypercars and 40 extreme models. After these models, Bugatti will move on to an undisclosed engine. To support the introduction of these new models, Bugatti is adding a new two-story facility to its existing headquarters.
The expansion project will cover an area of 2,120 square meters (22,819 square feet) and aims to be operational by the second half of next year. Besides accommodating the launch of the new Mistral and Bolide, the expanded headquarters will also pave the way for future models that Bugatti is planning beyond the era of the Chiron. While details about these forthcoming models are scarce, Bugatti promises they will be “performance-defining automobiles.”
In line with the upcoming changes, Bugatti has ambitious plans to expand its workforce by more than 50 percent by the end of 2027. This strategic personnel expansion is part of Bugatti’s preparation for the new era in collaboration with Rimac, which will see the two combining their expertise in the development of cutting-edge hypercars.
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