New Coupe version of Italia kit for MX5 mk 2

[smash]

Just trawling around and discovered Simpson Designs have announced two new coupe versions of their Italia 2 bodykit for MX5 mk2.

All these are body kits for Mazda MX5 by Simpson Design - http://www.simpsondesign.net/index.html

There are no prices on the site at the moment for the Italia GTB or GTC designs but the Italia mk1 is available in UK from Retroforza for £2,195 (versus $8,500 from Simpson!!).

New Italia 2 GTC - no price listed




New Italia 2 GTB - no price listed (clearly owes a debt to 275gtb)



Italia 2 Convertible - comprehensive kit works out at £6,361.74 ($9,900)



Original Italia based on MX5 mk1 ( Available from Retroforza in UK for £2,195)



Original Italia with GTB Coupe top

Simpson are working on a coupe of the original Italia using their GTB roof



Which I think I prefer - not keen on the arch lips on the GTB and GTC but they do represent some interesting opportunites. Perhaps Retroforza in the UK will be able to offer the coupe...

Edited by smash on Monday 10th October 08:53

[smash]

I think Simpson are pretty pricey in all honesty.

I've just mocked up a side view of the Italia mk 1 with GTB coupe top that he's working on as per above WIP photo:



I think it looks bloody gorgeous!

ETA - Found another photoshop attempt at adding fastback top to a mk1 Italia. They've gone a bit further and also photoshoped chrome bumpers (which make a huge difference I think), wire wheels, Chrome window surrounds and moved the wing mirrors forward. nothing that couldn't be done relatively easily though - provided the GTB top becomes available as per Simpson Designs recent blog.

Edited by smash on Sunday 9th October 16:59

[smash]

Agreed! A Flyin Miata or Monster Miata V8 conversion would be the cherry on a pretty nice cake that's for sure.

MX5 LS1 V8 vs F430 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1OO8GGgwZs

Edited by smash on Sunday 9th October 19:11

[smash]

Well the Italia 2 (which the GTB and GTC are with an alternative top) comes in at £6,300-ish for comprehensive kit.

[smash]

The GTC and GTB are both Italia 2 bodies with different hardtops, so yes the front clip is the same (roof inspired by the Auto Konexion fastback for Miata I think).

[smash]

An explanation of how the GTC and GTB came about:

http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/?p=15099

[smash]

I'm with you - I think that'll be the one once he's finished the GTB top for it. Cannot claim credit for the large mock up - found that on an american Miata forum.

Get a body from Retroforza (assuming they still supply) and the top from Simpson (assuming he intends to do it as a retrofit rather than complete kit). Now, who's going to make up a nice set of 275GTB style bumpers.....

Edited by smash on Monday 10th October 18:51

[smash]

@offshorematt - my bad, I got those links from MX5 OC forum I think - turns out they were photoshopped by one ofthe guys on there so yes, the REAL car sits higher and has the shark gills. Apologies!

@Lee - have you managed to get in touch with Simpson? I posted on the Simpson Desgn facebook page asking about the GTB top for mk 1 Italia but no response yet.

Retroforza are no longer listed as agents for Simpson but listed a kit only recently (September) on ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RETROFORZA-ITALIA-SPORT-... didn't sell @ £1650.

ETA I don't actually know it was Retroforza that listed it - the ad made it look like the manufacturer and it certainly sounds like they can produce more kits.

@Steviegunn - I actually like that!

Edited by smash on Wednesday 19th October 21:30

[smash]

Now this is interesting - initially I thought it was just the normal 250GTO kit for a 240Z but there are 3 pics of the bodykit trial fitted to an MX5!

the listing even states it can be fitted and a blended roof section is offered - very interesting indeed!

MX5 Twofifty GTO style