IS it really 25 years since the first Mazda MX-5 took to the roads?

Well, yes, it is and in honour of that milestone, Mazda is launching an anniversary model of the iconic two-seater.

First revealed to the public on at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the MX-5 caused a sensation.

Reintroducing a category of vehicle that had become all but extinct by the early 70s, it was an instant hit on a global scale, far outstripping the company's own sales predictions.

When global production reached 531,890 units in May 2000, the little Mazda was certified by Guinness World Records as the world's best-selling two-seater sports car.

Total global production passed the 900,000 mark in February 2011, and the Mazda MX-5's Guinness certification was updated.

Just 1,000 individually numbered examples of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0-litre 25th Anniversary Limited Edition will be built. A total of 750 will be made available to UK customers with number one being unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed next week.

With a comprehensive equipment specification based on the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0 litre Sport Tech Nav, the 25th Anniversary Limited Edition boasts a wealth of additional exterior and interior features not found on any other Mazda MX-5.

Soul Red Metallic paint finish is complemented by Brilliant Black door mirrors, A pillars and power-operated retractable hardtop roof, 17ins dark gunmetal alloy wheels, a rear diffuser and chrome exhaust trim complete the exterior, with each example benefiting from unique, limited edition badging.

The interior features heated, Light Stone leather trimmed upholstery which incorporates contrasting red stitching to the seats, steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever, and 25th Anniversary logo-embossed headrests.

Its 2.0-litre, 16v, 158bhp powerplant, allied to a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox, is capable of a sub-eight second 0-62 mph time and a 136mph top speed.

Pricing was not revealed.