Yes there have been a couple of first-generation concepts (the M2 1028 and M Coupe from 1996) and this January the exotic, Abarth-style TS Concept appeared at the Tokyo Auto Salon (evo 065). But as far as production goes, it's only now, through Mazda E&T, the manufacturer's in-house special operations division in Hiroshima, that the fixed-head has had a chance of being worked into the Mazda system.

Even now, these desirable MX-5 Coupes are limited-edition, Japan-only models. There's the Type A version (yellow car, 200 units) and a mini-Jaguar XKR-lookalike called the Type E (red car, 150 units) while Mazda is also offering two versions of the Coupe with the standard MX-5's front end (Roadster Coupe/Type S) depending on whether you want the 1.6 or 1.8-litre engine.

The coupe conversion, penned by former Mazda design chief Shigenori Fukuda, brings new sheet metal from the doors back. You get a slightly deeper boot and a long, flat shelf behind the seats for extra storage. The cabin is snug and while there's not a huge amount of headroom, it's still about on a par with a normal MX-5.

Mechanically the coupes are standard but, with the roof in place, the body is more rigid to give more precise control. The latest 1.8-litre twin cam is nice and revvy and, with 158bhp on tap in Japanese versions, is enough to give the Coupe decent pace.

It's a testament to the E&T team that the coupe conversion (which takes about three weeks to complete) adds just 20kg to the roadster's weight, so preserving the MX-5's famed chassis balance.

You forget until you drive one again just what a hoot the MX-5 is. Although it rides on 205/45 R16 Bridgestones, the Coupe's still not hugely endowed with grip so it's a car that's more than up for the sideways challenge. The benign way the tail drifts out is one of the great things in life. The intuitive steering, superb gearshift, strong brakes and decent ride also come together to make the Coupe feel impressively all of a piece.

While prices start at ΂£11,750 in Japan, you'll need ΂£15,500 for the 'mini-Maranello' Type A, arguably the most covetable of the bunch. A future collectable? Absolutely.