15/10/2026
Build Breakdown | Ricardo’s two-tone NA
Serious question: why did Mazda never paint the NA in any two-tone paint schemes from the factory? Maybe it was too costly, or maybe they were worried about getting a letter from Lotus’ legal team for mimicking the original Elan a little too much. Regardless, it’s a shame it never happened - because the NA’s body lines suit the two-tone look so well. It’s like they were designed for it, with a perfectly-placed horizontal line running neatly around the lower portion of the front, sides and rear.
Ricardo’s 1995 1.8 is the perfect demonstration of how good two-tone paint can look. Originally finished in Brilliant Black, Ricardo simply applied cream wrap over the top of the car and left the bottom section in its original paint, achieving the two-tone look without the need for a full respray. Ingenious.
Paint job aside, Ricardo has fitted all the right mods to his NA to make it even more thrilling to drive on the mountainous backroads of Switzerland (while keeping it street legal, which is a tall order thanks to their strict regulations). Though the engine is still standard, most of the suspension components have been upgraded or refreshed to make the car feel pin sharp once again. Check out the mod list below for the full breakdown!
Spec Highlights:
Konig Countergram 15x7.5 +35
TBO front lip
Carbon Miata hardtop spoiler
RS Active rear spoiler
Rod Millen spats
ST suspension
Whiteline anti-roll bars
Upgraded engine mounts
Braided brake lines
Roll bar
Recaro Pole Positions
Zoom Engineering centre console
IRP short shifter
Blaupunkt Retro Series radio
Follow the owner: