John Hewitt                           Club President 2012                (click on thumbnails to enlarge)

John sitting in his '93 LE

In 1995 I decided to get a second car.  The old Nissan truck was just not comfy enough.  A practical economy car would be okay.  After a quick review of my needs/wants, a work colleague encouraged me to check out the Miata market.  One test drive and I was hooked.  The search continued for one which would be adequate.  I bought a 3 year old 1992 Classic Red.  It was a standard package.  I discovered the local club and was immediately involved.  Six months later a 1990 Classic Red came up for sale via the club.  It had very low mileage, but had been neglected.  Seeing a true Cinderella Story, I bought it and later sold the 1st.  The car cleaned up nicely and even took the club's annual concourse award after a couple of days of detailing.  This "first year edition" was a favorite for many years.    

Once I started becoming aware of the unique editions and most sought-after packages, I decided to become a 2 Miata household with a 1992 Sunburst Yellow.  The previous owner had personalized the car quite a bit, but it's still striking.  Another year later I decided to pursue this "collecting" thing with more interest.  A 1991 Special Edition BRG was found for sale on the other side of the country.  A flight and return-trip vacation was planned.  The day before departure, my buddy located the same version on the street with a "for sale" sign.  Long-story-short: it ended up in my garage.  The hard-top was a deal clincher.  The vacation would have to be for another time.  Later, after some minor door-ding removal, it was discovered this car had a "tainted history."  The search for a replacement BRG was immediately warranted.  A "garage queen," in the next state was soon on its way back to my house.  Subsequently the 1st BRG was sold quickly.    

I must interject on two elements at this point of the story; my good friend Mario has been a valuable resource throughout many of these acquisitions.  He has located many, and been there as a travel partner for the collection of distant Miatas.  Also, if a car is distantly located, I've been very fortunate to have club contacts in other states that have provided previewing and test-driving assistance.  The Miata Community is a great thing, and many are eager to lend a hand when and if asked.  Now, as the collection began to grow in earnest, fellow club members were providing spotting tips for the "next car."    

One of my prides of place is the 1993 Limited Edition (brilliant black with red leather.)  It is an eye catcher!  With very low miles the previous owner was an enthusiast between his own high-end Miatas.  This car came to my garage with too many goodies to list.  The deal clincher was the inclusion of the 7-piece set of custom MCA luggage.    

So, the collection continued to grow.  I decided to pursue it with some sense of chronology.  So far: 1990, 1991, 1992, & 1993.  A philosophy of collecting soon became a lifestyle.  "Always be ready for the next one; you never know when it will show up."  No truer words could have been said when a 1995 M Edition (merlot) became present.  It was located in Southern California.  Flight tickets in hand, rental car for pre-viewing, and soon this one was on a 2-day road trip home.    

My professional career slowed the collecting bug down a bit as I was an exchange teacher in Victoria, Australia in 2005.  Another dream-come-true was to happen down under too, as I purchased a 1991 Mariner Blue MX5 from a fellow club member.  The car was priced right and allowed me to enjoy the year with a car of choice.  It too had the "For Sale" sign upon my departure.  Too many Victoria MX5 Club members are to be thanked for all the support they gave whilst enjoying my right-hand-drive MX5.    

During 2005 the NC was introduced.  I'd not planned on entertaining the idea of NC ownership for another 10 years, but the right Special Version, a.k.a. "Limited Edition," was beyond temptation.  Months of secretive planning allowed a 2006 LE to be waiting for me in my garage upon my return to the U.S.  (My hobby was certainly becoming an obsession, as this chapter did not allow me to drive this perfectly good, new car for 5 months!)  It fulfilled all the creature comforts while still maintaining the thrill of being an MX5.    

The days passed and as mentioned above, "Always be ready…" a good 1994 Laguna Blue showed up.  It was electronically advertised locally.  I recognized the car as belonging to a fellow club member.  The rare "C Package" was among the others in the stable.    

My residence was soon overflowing with Miatas.  A new home was found in the country to provide needed space.  A compromise was made as there is only a 2-car carport and a covered "Miata Shed" out back.  I'm not sure what the future would bring, but visions of a multi-car garage and a park-like setting for club functions keep coming to mind.  The spirit of collecting "Unique Editions," of the Miata/MX5 still keeps me searching.  

The vision became a reality with the sale of a few cars, and keeping the most prized.  A four-car garage with room to grow is now part of Miata Manor.   Being a Miata enthusiast has taken me places; places I never would have seen or known.  It also brought about great friendships; some close, and others around the world.  In 1995 I wanted a fun second car, but now it has become a part of who I am.  I was one of the founding members (001) of Club Miata Northwest.  I have served in different capacities and hosted innumerable events.  The joy of the car is found not just behind the steering wheel, but in the hearts of all those who share the passion.    

Let’s Go For A Drive!     

The Hewitt Collection as of early 2012: 

1992 Sunburst Yellow 

1993 Brilliant Black Limited Edition 

2006 Limited Edition 

1999 10AE Sapphire Blue 

Enjoyed and Sold: 

1992 Classic Red 1

1991 Special Edition BRG 

1991 Special Edition BRG #2 

1991 Mariner Blue (RHD) 

1990 Classic Red

1994 Laguna Blue C pkg.

1995 M Edition Merlot

1999 10AE Sapphire Blue