When the Miata was introduced in the summer of 1989 conventional wisdom said nobody wanted an inexpensive sports car. So much for conventional wisdom. . . . The Miata not only captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts longing for the days of the classic British roadster, it became the must-have fashion accessory of the day. In the beginning dealers routinely charged, and people willingly paid, thousands above the suggested retail price for Mazdas little roadster. The feeding frenzy soon ended; nevertheless, the shifting dollar-to-yen exchange rate eventually boosted the cars suggested retail price to feeding-frenzy levels. While sales have trailed off, the Miata remains the worlds best-selling roadster. The 1997½ Miata will be the last of its current body style.