Uncover the secrets of the Mazda garage

The Mazda garage is a pilgrimage for driving enthusiasts. Located in the basement at Mazda HQ in Irvine, CA, the garage is chock-full of vintage street cars and race cars, and even a rotary truck. This is Randy Miller's domain.

The garage houses classics such as the early Miatas that came off the line, way back in 1989 for the 1990 model year. The red was the 15th to be produced and the blue was 14th off the assembly line.

The Miata M Speedster concept was first shown in 1994 at the Monterey Historic Races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. In addition to a chopped windshield it boasts more power as well, in the form of a supercharged 1.8-liter engine, good for 200 horsepower.

The Miata M Coupe concept showed up at the New York Auto Show in 1996. It took a few years but we finally have the new Miata RF, a hard-top convertible that takes much of its styling from this concept.

Looks pretty RX-7ish, doesn't it?

The MX-5 Miata Spyder concept turned up at the 2011 SEMA show. Sure, that top is way different from the traditional convertible top, but there is some crazy stuff under the hood as well. The 2.0-liter engine uses isobutanol as fuel, affirming Mazda's commitment to produce the ol' "zoom zoom" with a minimal environmental impact.

The grenadine-red soft top is a single panel, crafted by Haartz Corporation. It gives the concept a low-slung stance but doesn't sacrifice any headroom -- which, let's face it, is at a premium in any Miata.

The Rotary Engine Pick Up (REPU) was available from 1974-1977. This 1975 model boasts a 1.3-liter four-port 13B two-rotor engine.

The rotary engine produces 110 horsepower and 117 pound-feet of torque. Although a four-speed manual transmission was standard, this particular model sports a five-speed manual. Yee-haw!

Another part of Miller's job is rebuilding Mazda's older race cars. Cool, huh?

This car won the 1991 GTO season with Pete Halsmer behind the wheel. The 2,200-pound car with a four-rotor engine puts out 640 horsepower at an astonishing 9,000 rpm.

We first saw the Mazdaspeed 757 Group C running in the mid to late 1980s. #202, pictured here, and its twin #203 sported a 2.0-liter 13G three-rotor engine, good for 350 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque with a five-speed manual transmission.

Just the winner of the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. No big deal. The primary sponsor, Renown, made argyle socks. Hence, the color scheme.

From the driver's seat of the #202 argyle sock car.

After it was forced to give up the rotary engine for the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mazda developed a 3.5-liter V10 engine, putting out 600 horsepower. This car was putting out some great times during the race, but unfortunately crashed in the tenth hour.

This 1986 RX-7 can put out 500 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. It earned a class record of 238.4 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport sported the first example of a dual-rotor rotary engine. The Cosmo was built by hand, thus only one was produced each day for a total of just over 1,500 units.

The Cosmo Sport boasts 110 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque. Top speed: 115 mph.

Right-hand drive and a four-speed manual transmission in the Cosmo Sport, for your driving pleasure.

An MX-5 Cup race car is getting some love in the Mazda garage.

The little 1978 Mazda GLC hatchback is... underpowered. The 1.3-liter engine makes only 59 horsepower, so I'd say it's a car that's all about momentum.

But it has nifty plaid seats!

The RX-4 was sold in the United States from 1974-1977. A wagon was also available, but this 1974 coupe is pretty bad ass. Under the hood is a 13B rotary producing 110 horsepower and 117 pound-feet of torque.

The RX-4 coupe is still awaiting restoration. I think I'll buy it when Miller is finished.

The rear of the RX-4 coupe. It's kind of the best.