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 519 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.

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.