If you are searching for one of the most collectible factory-built Mazda Miatas, the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata STO is at the top of the list. This Special Touring Option model, sometimes jokingly called the “stuff taken off edition,” marked the final year of the first-generation NA chassis and blended upscale details, limited production, and unmistakable 1990s roadster charm.

Produced exclusively for the 1997 model year and limited to just 1500 units, the STO is considered by many enthusiasts to be the ultimate version of the original Miata. It remains a highly sought-after collector car in today’s market of rare Japanese sports cars.

Exclusive Features and Factory Styling

Every 1997 Miata STO was painted in Twilight Blue Mica, a deep and rich metallic color exclusive to this edition. It was paired with a tan convertible soft top and a tan leather interior, giving the car a more refined, grand touring appearance that stood out from other NA Miata trims.

Standard features included:

• Twilight Blue Mica paint (Paint Code 20R)

• Tan convertible top and tan leather-trimmed seats

• Fifteen inch five spoke Enkei alloy wheels

• P195/50R15 Bridgestone performance tires

• Nardi leather shift knob (manual transmission only)

• STO embroidered floor mats, stainless scuff plates, and dash badge

• AM FM cassette stereo with CD player and headrest speakers

• Power windows and power mirrors

• Intermittent wipers and full center console with cup holders

• Lockable glove box and interior storage

• STO Certificate of Authenticity

These upgrades made the STO one of the best equipped and most luxurious NA Miata trims ever released.

Limited Production, Single Trim

Mazda produced all 1500 units of the STO in the exact same configuration. There were no optional packages, no color variations, and no automatic transmission version. Every car came in Twilight Blue Mica over tan leather.

This unique color combination was never used on any other NA Miata, making STO models easy to spot for knowledgeable buyers and Miata fans.

Identifying an Authentic Miata STO

Each STO included a numbered Limited Edition plaque in front of the passenger seat that confirmed its production number out of 1500. These plaques, along with the factory paint and interior combo, make identifying an original STO straightforward.

Additional details:

• STO badging on the rear quarter panels

• Unique floor mats and dash accents

• Factory Enkei wheels and Bridgestone tires

STOs that retain all of these original features are becoming harder to find, making unmodified examples even more valuable to collectors of Japanese classic cars.

The Miata That Closed Out a Generation

The Miata STO was not just another trim level, it was Mazda’s way of sending off the first-generation MX-5 with style and substance. While other automakers tried to revive their roadster heritage in the 1990s, the Miata had already perfected it.

Today, the STO stands out not only for its rarity but for how it embodies everything that made the NA Miata a success. From its lightweight construction and rear wheel drive layout to its classic roadster proportions, the STO captured the best of Mazda’s original vision.