20 years of the Mazda Miata/MX-5

Twenty years ago, Mazda took the wraps off the first generation Miata/MX-5 in Chicago. Over the next two decades the lightweight roadster solidified its place in the enthusiast hierarchy and evolved with larger engines, more gears and extra amenities. Amazingly, it never lost its edge.

Mazda wanted to commemorate the Miata's milestone at this year's Chicago Auto Show, but rather than trot out a 20th Anniversary Edition with a few badges and a custom color, Mazda dusted off a handful of concepts, one-offs and notable MX-5s that defined the roadster and help create the Cult of Miata that a few Autoblog staffers continue to worship at to this day.