More than just money.

"therotaryisdeadlonglivetherotary" (therotaryisdeadlonglivetherotary) 02/11/2014 at 18:06 • Filed to: None

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There is a sizeable contingent of the commentariat that will defend to death, or so it seems, the right of the automaker to choose beige. Bottom lines, and business sense are always the argument, which I understand, but I would like to point out a vehicle, that just happens to have seen a significant anniversary recently, which shows enthusiasm can sell as well as beige :

Designed by a ….

wait for it….

Automotive journalist (oh I love typing that) the Miata is a car designed not for the everyday rigours of life, with mile-high ride height, gizmos and gadgets to lure generation we-don't-understand-them-so-let's-throw-a-bunch-of-shit-on-our-cars, or all the weight that comes with all those superfluous things, but for sheer driving pleasure, a confectionary car if you will.

The greatness of the Miata is it's purity of design, namely fun. Because of that, it not only is the answer to every automotive question, but also a sales success. In fact, the purity is so important to Mazda that the new generation is focusing on being lighter, because the NC gained some weight.

So here we see passion making not only a great car but a lot of money for its maker. A true win–win.

Now, it doesn't make as much as the Camry, but it works as a type of affordable halo car, bringing interest to the brand, whereas the Camry just doesn't. If it was the 70s or 80s and everyone was worried about reliability then maybe it would draw people, but people aren't as concerned about reliability anymore, because most cars are pretty damn reliable.

So next time you criticize a car for being boring and one of those commentors comes out of the woodwork talking about money and business on an enthusiast site (really? I mean we're enthusiasts not bankers) just post a picture of the Miata.

Casper > therotaryisdeadlonglivetherotary 02/11/2014 at 18:10

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The Miata is a decent car, but it's also extremely beige. It was about the most gender neutral, least offensive, overly generalized way you could make a RWD roadster. I look at it more as an exercise in finding a way to sneak a decent car past all the appliance car buyers. It was an awesome pill people needed, wrapped in something they could pallet easily even if they didn't want it.

Many of those buying them new from the dealer didn't even realize what they were getting.

Nonster > therotaryisdeadlonglivetherotary 02/11/2014 at 18:17

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While I don't have sales or profit numbers, I feel its worth mentioning the success of Toyota/Scion/Subaru GT86/FRS/BRZ. That car reinforces your point and even better, I think its driving other manufacturers to build competitors such as the Nissan IDx, the Kia GT4 stinger, etc.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Casper 02/11/2014 at 18:47

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Not beige, just not off-putting. It is classic bodywork wrapped around simple, direct, and reliable mechanicals.

It is retro, and goes back to one of Colin Chapman's best.

The fact that it looked good meant that non-enthusiasts bought it as a lifestyle car.

The fact that it actually drove well mean that enthusiasts bought it on it's technical merits, despite non-buyers characterizing it by it's lifestyle buyers, mostly women, as a false derision.

there is nothing beige about a good sports car, even if it is good looking enough to be timeless, and widely appealing. (hasn't visually aged like most cars of the late 80's and early 90's, including Mercury Capri)

therotaryisdeadlonglivetherotary > Casper 02/11/2014 at 19:41

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Really? You'd lump the Miata in with a Camry? I mean the Camry is made for transportation, but the Miata is made for fun. Exhibit A – pop up headlights: they made be old hat now, but they say something (namely I'm really really really wide awake when they're up). It's not a striking design, but it's not a design that is made with the purpose of fading out of sight in a cement parking garage either.