DFW Car & Toy Museum Exhibits Rare 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata with Under 5,700 Miles

The DFW Car & Toy Museum is currently exhibiting a meticulously preserved 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata from the Ron Sturgeon Collection, featuring fewer than 5,700 original miles. This early-production NA Miata represents a significant piece of automotive history, as the original model launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year fundamentally transformed the sports car landscape by revitalizing the classic British roadster concept.

The vehicle's impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. By combining lightweight design, perfect balance, and engaging driving dynamics with unprecedented reliability, the Miata quickly became a global phenomenon that reshaped consumer expectations for affordable sports cars. This particular example retains its original 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four engine, factory rated at 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque, connected to a five-speed manual transmission and optional limited-slip differential—the ideal configuration for spirited driving that defined the model's appeal.

Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's historical significance, noting that the original Miata changed the sports car world forever by offering driving joy in its purest form. Finding a specimen with such remarkably low mileage and excellent condition is extremely rare, making this exhibition particularly valuable for automotive enthusiasts and historians. The museum, which houses over 200 collector cars and 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts, provides context for understanding how vehicles like the Miata influenced automotive design and manufacturing trends.

The economic implications of such exhibitions extend beyond mere preservation. Museums like the DFW Car & Toy Museum contribute to Texas's cultural tourism economy while educating future generations about automotive innovation. Located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, the museum operates Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with free parking and admission. Visitors can explore this pristine example and other exhibits through the museum's official website, gaining insight into how iconic vehicles like the Miata continue to influence automotive design and consumer preferences decades after their introduction.