Sting is a 1992 A package Miata. What is special about this car is the optional Sunburst Yellow paint ($500 extra in 1992). While not technically a special edition, only 1519 Sunburst Yellow Miatæ were delivered to the USA, all of them were A package cars, which added power steering, a leather wrapped steering wheel, stereo and headrest speakers to the Base model.

I am the third owner of this car, which I bought in September 2007 with 50,500 miles on the odometer. It's almost a new car, with an undercarriage so clean you would swear it had been detailed for a car show. I don't know how long that will last since I buy cars to drive, but this one isn't going to see any salty roads like my old friend 7690 did.

The chrome double-hoop style bar, low profile headlights (not shown) and wheels were added by the previous owner and I think they look great. Since I bought the car I've changed the Miata stereo (which quit working) for one from a 2005 Mazda Tribute SUV. That head unit adapts easily to the Miata and adds an in-dash 6 Disc CD Changer. I've also added an iPod connection that lets the head unit control and charge the iPod, so I can carry all of my music with me again. I had tried that once before with a series of short-lived Panasonic 50-Disc changers in old 7690. Unfortunately those were not up to the demanding environment of a Miata and ended up jamming one after the other. Finally Panasonic gave up and I went to a 12 disc changer until Apple invented the iPod.

I also changed the washer jets from the original ones that squirt two adjustable jets of water each, to the newer style "fan spray" type.  Those also are Mazda Tribute parts and work well, covering a larger area with their spray.  I never really had a problem with the old type but I thought this would be an interesting experiment.

The tires that came on the car finally wore out and have been replaced with a new set of Falken Azenis RT-615s.  I've been really happy with Falken tires for years and these do not disappoint.  They have excellent stick in both the wet and dry.  Turn-in, handling and ride are as good as tires costing 50% more.  I bought this set from Vulcan Tire for $81 each in 205/50-15 size, and had them shipped to my local tire shop for mounting.

Sting is my daily-driver just as 7690 was before, however I don't have intentions of autocrossing this car. 7690 was a great little competitor, but with family to play with I don't get to the track anymore. Besides, this car is more for play than competition. If I feel the need for an autocross, my wife's 1995 R package is much better suited! :)

My last Miata stayed with me for 12 years and over 81,000 miles, lived in 5 states and 9 homes, indoors and out. Since then I've settled down a lot, hopefully this car will stay put for a long time.