The Mazda MX-5 is loved as much by the Japanese as it is in Britain, and more than 1,600 rocked up to a racetrack to celebrated the tiny two-seater’s 20^th birthday. Stuart Milne reports.

Miyoshi Proving Ground. The name may not mean much to you, but it’s the birthplace of the world’s favourite roadster.

Twenty years ago the Mazda MX-5 hit the showrooms and the world hasn’t been the same since. Forget about it being a car for drivers with ‘hair product’; it offers one of the finest driving experiences available at any price.

And the drivers of the 1,600 MX-5s that turned up clearly agree.

Video: Say hello to the Mazda MX-5's big brother, the Mazda Furai concept