If anyone is interested, I can share the full spec sheet from Mazda.
As for my pick, I'd go with the Type S, with the Type A running a close second.
Photography Courtesy Mazda
Before the retractable hardtop variations of the NC (PRHT) and ND (RF) Miatas, Mazda actually built a limited run of fixed hardtop NB Miatas called the Roadster Coupe.
If you have never seen one before, we won’t blame you, as only 179 are said to have been built, and they were all sold exclusively in Japan.
The result of Mazda’s Engineering and Technology team, each Roadster Coupe was mechanically similar to the more common convertible Miatas, though were available in four separate trims: Roadster Coupe, Type S, Type A and Type E.
Looking at the spec sheet, both the base Roadster Coupe and Type S used the same front end as the regular NB Miata, with the Type A–the one with the decklid spoiler and fender flares–using an "authentic design reminiscent of traditional racing cars," and the Type E wearing a "refined and elegant design." (Whose name and styling may or may not have been inspired by the Jaguar E-Type.)
From top to bottom: Roadster Coupe/Type S, Type A and Type E
Base Roadster models make do with the 1.6-liter engine backed by a five-speed manual, with the rest of the lineup powered by the 1.8-liter engine mated to a six-speed manual–save for the Type E, which used a four-speed automatic instead.
Which one of the bunch would you pick if given the option, or do you think a hardtop version of the Miata kind of defeats the purpose?
If anyone is interested, I can share the full spec sheet from Mazda.
As for my pick, I'd go with the Type S, with the Type A running a close second.
Years ago, I sat in one at Tokyo Auto Salon. It felt like a little Aston Martin.
If I were a billionaire, I'd take a type S over grazing space.
Also, did the coupe exist in an early Gran Turismo? I want to say that I drove the car there. Or maybe I dreamed it?
I didn't realize they built that many. I saw one at an auto show years and years ago, I thought it was a prototype or one-off
There was a prototype one-off in 1996 called the M Coupe. It was yellow and based on an NA (of course). I've tried to get Mazda to hand it over for safekeeping in the spotlight instead of storage in the basement, but no luck so far. I think it was a better looking car than the NB coupes personally, but it was hand-built.
Apparently you can only get replacement body parts if you provide a VIN, so don't get any ideas about building a replica :(
I'd go for the Type S, be happy with the Type A. I prefer coupes over roadsters. Lost my interest due to the auto only in the Type E.
I wonder how the weight compares to the roadsters. I also wonder about the difference in handling due to the increased torsional rigidity.
In reply to Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) :
According to the spec sheet, the Roadster Coupe only weighs about 10 kg (roughly 22 lbs.) more than the convertible.
Love it!
Too bad we can't buy the sheet metal roof stampings from Mazda to build more stateside...
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