1967 Lotus Elan and Mazda MX-5 Super 20 Concept - CAR and DRIVER

[@acousticbruiser19]

When I bought a miata, two guys at my work called it the "gayest little car" and a "granny car". Then another guy came up and goes "fuck you guys! Those things are fun as hell!!" We high-fived. I did donuts. It was a good day.

[@acousticbruiser19]

With gusto.

[@MaxRPMs]

I know this is 9 years later but it made me laugh, crazy how the perception of the miata has changed so much in 10 years, now everyone wants one.

[@howamianidiotuidiot]

Very well done. The wording is so perfect that I'm actually getting quite teary eyed. I'm actually proud that I picked up a 1990 Miata so many years ago. I have a 2008 now and it feels different from the 1990, but the emotion is still there.

[@iamwutiam]

love driving my miata everyday. I've been driving a couple miatas for the past couple of years and I still get excited to head home after work and throw it into some turns : )

[@neilslade]

I sold my 65 Lotus Elan S2--- then went and test drove a Miata. Not the same, nor better to drive in many ways. Two weeks later, in the year 2000, i bought another Elan, all original, for 15K, with 11K original miles (It had gone unsold for a YEAR on Hemmings, unbelievable back then, impossible now.) Everyone knows- or should know- what makes these two cars quite different. Some people can handle the Lotus. Others, need the convenience of the Miata. In 20 years, my Elan has never broken down. And, in 20 years, my Elan has doubled in value. So, depends what you are looking for, can afford, are able to maintain. I'm lucky in that I live in a city (Denver) that has two expert Lotus people I can rely on, as I'm not an expert mechanic myself. Miata's are perfect for many people- but let's not confuse what actually makes these quite different.

[@orangelion03]

Really shows how TINY the Elan was/is! Former Miata owner here. 1990, 235,000 miles (the guy I sold it too 5 years ago is currently racing it in SPEC Miata). Absolutely the most reliable car I have ever, or will likely ever, have owned. I modified the suspension, roll bar, routinely put it on the track and autocross. The best Miata I ever drove was a 1.8L supercharged that made around 200HP...absolute blast! If I were looking for another, I'd go for the Mazdaspeed edition with turbo. I'm not too keen on the looks of the latest version, but appreciate that they are still a great car.

[@Chaserpollard]

My brother's had a very bad oil leek

[@Chaserpollard]

Yes

[@nousernamesification]

My god, this guy is on spot! Love how he speaks and what he said about the "premium car".... so many people forget that factor. Love this!

[@ZnenTitan]

What makes it (the Lotus Elan) special is Emma Peel drove them.

[@Thatmaninrio]

ZnenTitan. Don't forget Britt Ekland...

[@mikedtw]

I was just going to add the exact same reply - great minds and all that!

[@wooltweed]

Thatmaninrio 😌😌😩

[@dwaynejperry]

you guys just keep getting better and better... the car fanatic is living in great times thanks to you all! please keep em coming.

[@bdodkin]

I had an Elan Sprint in 1973. It was a year old and I bought it privately for £1595. It was a "Pistachio" green hard top (solid colour, no white base) with gold bumpers and black and gold wheels and I remember an old lady complimenting me on the colour on the drive home! I sold it for this same price when it got too expensive to pay for AND save for a house! Wish I was still 25 too!!

[@andresmartinez4676]

It take a men who drives a miata or elane to know your are complitly right about those cars. Puts a smile in my face every time :)

[@Brookside975]

I bought mine in 2001....still have it. A RED (of course) LS. It looks and drives virtually new with 100k on it and I still can't get the smile off of my face. Truly makes my 68-year-old body feel 16 again! I grew up with XK-120's, MGA, MGB, and a TR3. They were fantastic, but I love my MX5 every bit as much. Hope to take it on a 2-3 week cross country again this summer.

[@143CAR]

you hit the nail right on the head - I drive a Miata and have spent in the past "defending" my reasons for buying the car. And now I don't care - because it doesn't really matter. I forget all of that when I start driving. Thanks for the video!

[@richardunderwood950]

Got as close as I could. Bought a brz and it’s the most fun I have ever had in a car. It’s also the slowest sports car I have ever owned

[@SSS1k26]

Fantasitc video. Nice to watch a video where the guy understands the point of the cars!

[@explodingrabbit51]

I still can't believe C&D don't use Smith more. He doesn't come of wooden or forced, but rather very enthusiastic, insanely passionate and over all likeable. US car mags really need more presenters like him.

[@marvetheman]

What Smith said about the Miata is the reason I have three of them. Most people will run out of talent before they run out of car with the MX-5. When someone calls it a chic car I know they’re not a real driving enthusiast, hell most of them can’t even drive a stick.

[@TeaParty1776]

I drove an Elan in the 60s. Awesome handling. I felt like crying when I returned it to the car salesman. Ive owned an Austin-Healy 3000 (the engine often wouldnt start or stop) and an MG Midget. I out-raced a cop car in the 59hp Midget on a very curvy part of Laurel Canyon Bl in LA, early one morning after a rock concert. Stoned. I shifted smoother when stoned. Bring back cheap British sports cars! The Miata seems close. And seriously, where can you use all of the power of a 500hp car? Maybe in the southwestern deserts where only the scorpions an lizards might get hit. I drove a 305 Cobra replicar. Yee gods! The power is bizarre. The clutch needs weightlifter muscles.

[@johnnyboy1586]

The elan is such a beautiful little sports car

[@wrek496]

subscribed! so so much better than any R&T or Motor Trend crap on KZbin so far. Super super obvious easy observations but very succinctly put, well shot, audio was good too.

[@rockino2562]

Haha at the end you really nailed it, it's 2023 and it is exactly like that now..

[@stewitr]

Thoroughly enjoyable video. Thank you so much for making it. As a former Lotus Elise and MX5 owner, I can relate to everything said in this video.

[@YourMother88]

This was a refreshing take on cars that are overlooked in an age when 500 horsepower isn't all that impressive anymore. These cars, and possibly the BR-Z/FR-S, really understand what the car industry, and more importantly, car publications, seem to have forgotten. As our reviewer points out, it's not about numbers, it's about having fun. With the technology we have today, we should be driving 1800lb sports cars that have 200hp, not 4300lb yachts that have 600hp.

[@vladpcgamer]

Dang, reading this comment 10 years later when the new AMG car is 5000lbs and a BMW M2 is over 3800lbs really hits hard

[@bluestudio67]

A happy guy, giving a happy review about two very happy cars. Kinda makes me, well, happy!

[@simonvancoevorden295]

Great video! I worked on Elans in the 1970s at Roger Clark Cars . I now have a NC MX5 (Miata) . I’m 6ft 3 inches & there was more legroom in the tiny Elan !

[@affinityroadster3942]

Man that is an amazing Elan!

[@theunknown302]

As a Miata owner, I couldn't agree more.

[@regardtkapp9730]

I love this 500 characters cap on a KZbin comment. So yeah, a group of people, either drunk or on some stupid drugs, or people who don't like Miata's, came to my house and flipped it where it was parking. We never caught who did it, insurance didn't pay out and now I am Miata-less and not happy. The Miata is truly an epic car. I love them to bits.

[@vwbenito]

"you may be breaking some laws, but you won't be endangering anybody." yeah I'm sure that'll hold up real well in court.

[@TywinGathersHP]

"What's up? Let's go start some shit." Classic.

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

The Elan makes the MX-5 look huge!

[@arricammarques1955]

Inspired by the Elan pinched to perfection by Mazda.

[@claylittlewood540]

I was driving behind my friend's MGB, in my NC,, and l was amazed how small it was. .

[@vl5150]

I had an open class sportbike that was boring to drive because I couldn't actually utilize the power around town without breaking every speed or killing myself. When it came time for me to get a fun car I decided to go for lower power, but better handling and braking. Something that I could really wring out and the Miata fit the bill. If I want to go faster---no big deal, the car can grow with me very inexpensively.

[@SergioInzunza]

The commentator has the right idea. Very few cars have that magic

[@michaeltb1358]

Small point on the Elan. Most of the chrome is on the window frames. They are actually made of brass. They may pit but will never rust.

[@michaeltb1358]

True

[@nuke583]

I love that Car and Driver responds to the videos, a good feeling of community.

[@DeanoTXR53]

I've subscribed to the mag since the early 90's and always will, but damn you guys are really starting to absolutely nail these videos. This one was a perfect balance of informative and visceral content, the result of which served as a reminder to why I love cars in the first place.

[@LNJMedia]

Oh my two favorite cars !! Long live the Roadsters!

[@blackrussian52]

I'm so glad I never unsubscribed from this channel. The new installments are continually getting better. How can I get a job or an internship with you guys? Keep up the good work.

[@Eoinkinooone]

yay first american car video that wasn't over the top(oh my god it like soooo....)!! Well done, I could easily listen to you talk about the emotion of driving. Great video.

[@techracer100]

Lightweight = fun. I've been driving for almost 20 years and the heaviest vehicle I have ever owned was my DC2 Type R Integra at 1060kg. I've always subscribed to the notion that you should have fun driving a car at any speed-if it makes you smile then you bought the right car :)

[@grechjames]

what a wonderful and spot on analysis :) an absolute joy to watch, look forward to more - pure automotive essence

[@pinkstickynote1]

This guy just explained everything I felt within the first 60 seconds of my first time driving a first generation Mazda Miata. A month later, I bought one. A year later...time to get another car...I'm only satisfied looking at more miatas.

[@VoodooChileRedux]

You completely captured what a Miata is all about. They are all about fun and begging you to drive them hard. And when you do, you have to smile.

[@evileye9800]

Wow, this guy is the best car "commentator"(for lack of a better word) I've ever heard. He gets that same feeling I do when I get behind the wheel of my 1990 Miata. It's not about the top speed or the crazy horsepower, it's that feeling that you cannot explain. Only people that have driven a miata can explain it. I cant imagine selling my miata and getting a better car, because I just don't think it exists. Big ups to you sir :)

[@Xav911]

Probably the best car vid that came from the US. lot of sense and passion in what the guy says.

[@JROD9496]

Excellent review! Truly makes you rethink your views on modern sports cars and where cars are going in the future.

[@dadstoygarage1878]

awesome! My 1991 miata is the most fun car I have owned and driven! Some day I wold love to experience an elan!

[@1brutha]

If there is an Oscar or Emmy for video car reviews, thIs video most certainly deserves it.

[@yinyanz]

It is so refreshing to listen to automotive journalists who really know their stuff. I am glad C&D didn’t go down the route of ripping off TG. Keep up the good work C&D and the viewers will come.

[@camerceru]

i really enjoyed this video. if did something that very few car videos have been doing recently, if captured cars and what makes them feel so amazing!

[@TwoLotus2]

Outstanding video. Give the people involved in making it a raise!

[@jeffthompson541]

Fantastic video. Captured all the fun of driving, and two of the best cars to do it in.

[@lightweightiseverything5068]

Good job, Sam! Without lightweight cars that are fun, what is left? I drove an NA Miata for 7-years as my L.A. daily driver. Best driver / weekend canyon bomber ever. I’ve moved on to Lotus Elises as my toys, but there will be an early Elan somewhere in my future - love them!

[@THESocialJusticeWarrior]

I had a first year MX-5 and loved it. Then everyone and their grandma bought an SUV and I didn't feel safe on the road any more :( Now I drive a Vette and I love it but I really miss my MX5 every time I see one.

[@petrolhead28]

Your comments are spot on about the modern car industry. I had an RX8, and it was stupidly fast, It csught fire due to an exhaust fault and I bought a 12 year old MX5. It is the mutts nuts and incredible fun, and makes reltively slow speeds feel fast. By the way you kick Clarsons ass.

[@dar2740]

He is one of the better presenters I've see on a you tube car channel. You can tell how much he likes cars, these two especially. It comes off very honest and not like he's trying to hard. Very well done.

[@gethsemeny]

I have to agree with the other commenters here. This is a great video and it sets the bar for how these things should be done. Knowledgeable, smart, fun, no over-the-top drama or silliness. Top Gear (UK) does its own thing, and they do it very well - no need to emulate them. This is a different approach, and you guys are doing it spot on. Keep it up!

[@ike111111]

great now i want a mk1 miata again

[@GDubsPete]

i've never driven a miata/mx-5 or an elan before, but i feel like my '84 rx-7 is kind of on the same level as these cars. just light, nimble, and not too much power are all key for a streetable and fun sports car with decent mpg and with very high spg (smiles/gallon)!

[@opethmike]

What a brilliant video. C&D really 'gets it' about cars like this. Love it.

[@jked7463]

I had an NB.. a friend had a 911. After driving my car, he told me that while it was not the fastest car he ever drove, it was the most fun. You sit in most other sports cars. You wear a miata. My mustang is a fast running back. The miata is Gene Kelly. I miss it terribly.

[@alfamonk]

This guy is good..knowledgeable, geeky in an interesting way, and has some unconventional and interesting POV. Thumbs up from the UK!

[@pex3]

dear car and driver, please don't add annotations saying things like "favorite for the lotus elan", or "like this video for the mx-5" or "click subscribe", people will do all of these things without any annotations, and it detracts from the superb content of your videos.

[@acousticbruiser19]

"What's up? Let's start some shit!" - every Miata owner

[@road5ter86]

the super 20 is just beautiful

[@bastospe]

Simply loved the video! And i totally agree with you Sam! I used to own a '00 1.8 MX-5 and it's exactly how you put it... you can cruise it or simply hustle it on a mountain road! U'll be getting a huge smile on your face while maintaining sensible speeds... Now i own a '97 E36 M3 Convertible (321hp Euro spec) and, although it's also fine for cruising, u hv to mind ur foot on the gas because 3rd gear is good for 100mph! On twisty roads, a couple of gears and u're already going too fast.... :-(

[@ToxicityAssured]

I was lucky enough to get a 99 special edition with the modest upgrades like suspension and lsd with 6spd. I LOVE IT SO MUCH that it doesn't matter what haters may say. I have a 55 minute round trip to work and the Miata makes it bearable.

[@mobius4379]

Well done! Think I'm going to go drive my dad's Miata now!

[@sidewayssam]

colin chapmans philosophy was speed through lightness,and it is the future,less weight means less power is needed,handling is better,braking and acceleration is better...and nothing is corrupted.He did sometimes get it wrong,and some of his f1 cars were downright dangerous.But its the way cars should be!my mx5 is turbo's and hilarious,my westfield is 550kg,with a 150bhp crossflow..it will wup just about anything..

[@tommack8650]

The sublime essence of lightness. It's not a car you drive, it's a car you play with. Minimum weight = Max Fun! "So easy to drive, your grandma could drift it" !!!

[@gyrate4]

To know the mazda roadster is to love the mazda roadster. Only ignorant bigmouths would ever bash it.

[@hityoutwo]

I'm loving these episodes, lots of great information. Keep it up!

[@Technoboy1000]

This dude should do all the reviews on CARandDRiver

[@82Echo411]

Ah the Elan, Mrs. Peel's ride. A good model for Miata to translate.

[@ChrisJackson36]

Awesome video. Great explanation of the soul of the vehicle.

[@frankfitzpatrick5300]

The Elan is almost exactly the same color as my Mx-5 NA8 . Montego Blue color code M8 with 15" pannasports

[@MangoSmoothie16]

S2000 Miata and BRZ. All 3 are enemies. But this guy could say the same thing about all of them. Each are truly epic cars

[@stanczyk11111]

good topic , good execution ... This Elan looks lovelly .. and it drives like crazy bee ! .. good old cars ... simple and honest ... ... not "marketing/poseur over substance/function" as nowadays cars ...

[@wrek496]

I can't not think of the new FR-S/BR-Z when watching this video. Also love the orange & black attack on the MX-5.

[@quackman]

Great video! Loved the cars you picked, loved the message.

[@Nacho66]

I've owned just about every car you can imagine: Pintos, Novas, Cutlasses, trucks, Taurus', etc. Most were shitboxes as I've always refused to finance a car. Bought a '97 Miata 6 years ago for $2500 and it is the best car I've ever owned. Still drive it every day and still love it. It now has 172K on it too.

[@losmedical]

Great video and commentary... they should really make a stock miata with the same chassis and supercharger

[@AidenIsAwesomeSauce]

I LOVE MY MIATA!

[@JTACTR]

Great video guys! But it would be a good idea to give info about when and how the chassis understeers/oversteers, how does it feels when it sideways etc..

[@rocfl59]

great lesson!!!!!!

[@robbap1]

great commentary

[@swillia6rider]

Jeez, I wanted a miata already. Great job, C&D!

[@TheDriver458]

I never thought the MX-5 was a chic car. I thought it was THE BEST convertible ever made. For everyone.

[@Sirgromulus]

The reviewer "gets it". Kudos!

[@justindaley2460]

Have owned both - I kept the Elan. The Miata is a great car, really user friendly and a great option if you want to have just one car. The Elan is quite simply one of the most involving and communicative sports cars ever built, and still an absolute steal. Despite how good it is, do not ever be under the illusion that driving a Miata is anything like the pure visceral joy of driving a sorted Elan.

[@aimapile]

Elan was the great sporting car of Emma Peel in The Avengers 1967, blue powder version.

[@hejmuesli]

That was absolutely awesome. I enjoyed this A LOT. Subscribed.

[@CarComparos]

सेंट believe this video is 10 years old

[@AlgerroMartinFReyes]

1967 Lotus Elan car, that's my friendly car... And the NEW Mazda MX-5 Super 20 Concept car, i like that. Thank YOU.

[@20spurSAT]

I just hope the designers get it right with the next ND, smaller lighter and with a bit of more power, that Elan looks amazing

[@JomesZ]

On point with the Miata. I've always had a Mx-5 in my line up of cars. Your review was excellent! People always made fun of the Miata but when you actually drive it to its potential its a lot fun. I have a 1st generation Mx-5 with a 1.8 she is more graceful than some of the new cars that are in the market.

[@jeffreycamunias2143]

Petrol_ Enthusiast has

[@niko202390]

Superb video, excellent thoughts and presentation.

[@albumartist]

They are called Minilites. If you have a Miata, there's a wheel style that replicates the Minilite and uses the old school Mazda logo in the center cap. They are called Chaparral Wheels, available through moss motors.

[@branot89]

That Losut makes Miata looks huge!

[@lucidrythm5150]

Great review Sam. I had an '01 Miata, and it was a blast! Now I have an '05 Mustang GT which is great, but I will probably trade it in when the new Miata/Alpha Spider comes out.

[@1995camry1]

I own a 93 1.6 miata and I love it, very fun car, had. A 91 prelude before it was cool, but can not compare to the mx-5 I love my mx-5

[@SWatchik]

love both these cars, they need to remake the Elan