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Inside Mazda

Miata Fanatic Gets First MX-5 Miata RF

David Putter Claims His 16th Mazda

mx5 miata rf

When Mazda announced the pre-sale of the new 2017 MX-5 Miata RF hardtop convertible, Miata enthusiasts all over the United States quickly signed on to the pre-order site to place their orders for the limited launch edition of the vehicle. One of those enthusiasts who put down a deposit, hoping to secure one of the first MX-5 RFs, was David Putter of Orange County, California.

“I’ve had eight Miatas, a 626, two Mazda3s, three Mazda6 sedans, and a CX-9,” David said. “I just love Mazdas.”

According to David, the reason why is simple, “Mazda still builds cars the way all Japanese cars used to be built. It’s amazing the difference between a Mazda and other brands. The quality is so much better.”

David discovered Miatas back in 2011 when he bought a new Special Edition MX-5 Miata in British Racing Green, and he’s never looked back.

“I love Miatas because they’re easy to work on,” he said. “They’re just bulletproof – it’s really hard to break them. Once I drove the Miata, I was hooked.”

Over the years and through different cars, David has developed a close relationship with his dealer, John Patterson at OC Mazda in Huntington Beach, California. So, it was no surprise when he was invited to reserve one of the limited launch edition RF cars. The shock came when he found out he was going to be the first MX-5 Miata RF owner in the world.

“I had a delivery date of March 17, but then John (Patterson) called and asked if I’d like to take delivery of the very first Miata RF, I said I’d love to, but I already have a car in production and a delivery date,” David explained. “He said not to worry, they’d take care of it, but I’d need to come to the L.A. Auto Show.”

mx-5 miata rf delivery

Mazda invited David to be a special guest at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and he received his keys on stage from Masahiro Moro, the CEO of Mazda North American Operations, during Mazda’s live press conference.

“I was treated so awesome,” David explained. “I can’t thank Mazda enough. They make me feel like a celebrity, but I’m not. I’m just a guy who knows a good product when he sees one.”

The next day, David went down to Huntington Beach Mazda to pick up his car.

“I found out they’d flown the car over from Japan and prepped it for me. I looked at it and I was in love! I love the look of the RF, and it drives like a dream. There’s no point in keeping it in a garage. I’ve got cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic headlights. It’s got the gray metallic paint and the auburn interior. The fit and finish is amazing.”

David tells us that he drives the car every day, and almost always with the top open.

“I drove to work today; it was 56 degrees outside. I had the heat on, the windows up, the top down, and the seat heaters on. It’s amazing.”

Of course, the next step in this automotive love affair is to share his passion, or at least brag a little bit.

“I want to join the Orange County Mazda club,” David said, “because I want to be the first one in the club with an RF.”