My perspective on cars might come as a surprise, especially if you’ve encountered my slightly critical articles before. Here’s the truth: I believe every car possesses a unique kind of coolness. From the mundane to the magnificent, each vehicle holds a special charm. However, it’s undeniable that some cars simply radiate more coolness than others – significantly more.
We’re talking about cars that ignite a fire within you, the kind that sends shivers down your spine and makes you take notice. These are the vehicles that transcend mere transportation and become objects of desire.
The spectrum of automotive coolness is broad. Some cars achieve iconic status through pop culture, embedding themselves in our collective consciousness. Others push the boundaries of engineering and technology, redefining what’s possible. And then there are those that exude an aura of untamed freedom, appearing ready to conquer any terrain.
Within the diverse automotive landscape of college students, one car consistently captures attention and embodies a unique coolness. This standout vehicle is a vibrant green 1997 Mazda Miata, boasting a tan interior and roof, owned by Troy Meister, a sophomore majoring in Music Technology.
Image: Front profile of a green 1997 Mazda Miata with its soft top up, parked on a paved surface, showcasing its iconic pop-up headlights and classic roadster design.
What makes the Miata so undeniably cool? It boils down to its singular, focused purpose: to deliver pure driving joy. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – pop-up headlights. These retro gems instantly elevate the Miata, casting a shadow of automotive envy over practically every other car on campus.
Troy’s motivation for acquiring the Miata was straightforward. He’s a passionate enthusiast of convertibles and the engaging experience of a manual transmission. The Miata, from its inception over three decades ago, was meticulously engineered to deliver both of these pleasures in a perfectly balanced package.
Troy’s deep-seated appreciation for cars stems from his childhood, fondly remembering time spent alongside his father wrenching on classic Ford Mustangs. This early immersion in automotive culture fostered a lasting passion.
In contemporary car manufacturing, there’s a prevailing trend towards creating vehicles that attempt to be everything to everyone. While versatility is admirable, this approach often results in cars that are merely adequate across the board, rather than exceptional in any single aspect.
Image: Interior view of the 1997 Mazda Miata, highlighting the tan leather seats, five-speed manual gear stick, and simple, driver-focused dashboard layout.
The first-generation Miata models, known as the NA, deliberately defied this trend. They weren’t conceived as paragons of practicality or luxury. Instead, they prioritized the raw, unfiltered connection between driver and machine.
The Miata has, unfortunately, been subjected to unfair criticism. Detractors often dismiss it as a “hairdresser’s car,” a label laden with unwarranted negativity. Firstly, there’s absolutely nothing demeaning about being a hairdresser. And personally, I think a hairdresser who owns a Miata possesses exceptional taste.
I’m willing to bet that the individuals who propagate this dismissive stereotype have never actually experienced driving a Miata. If you ever have the opportunity, seize it. A Miata driving experience has the power to fundamentally alter your perception of cars. You might initially believe that a car’s fun-to-drive factor is secondary, but behind the wheel of a Miata, that belief will vanish. It simply clicks.
Adding to the coolness of Troy’s Miata is its impeccable condition. The interior appears factory fresh, and the rims and paint gleam with a showroom shine. Finding Miatas on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay Motors isn’t difficult. However, encountering examples in such pristine, complete condition is rare. Often, they’re missing their soft tops, sporting a defunct pop-up headlight, or suffering from engine woes.
Ultimately, the true essence of automotive coolness transcends superficial attributes. It’s rooted in the connection between a car and its owner, in the shared history and the emotional bond forged over time. This personal relationship, imbued with stories and experiences, is what elevates a car from mere transportation to something truly cool.
