MEV X5 opinions
Discussion
Im liking the look of it and the cost of the build is around £2500 which includes the donor mx5 (but not the paint) and you can sell the rest of the parts for more money than the donor. Plus the early mx5 are starting to rust, faded paint leaking roofs, small boot so this seems a perfect idea. The handling of a mx5 better looks in my opinion and you get something unique and no sva test. Also you can get a supercharge kit for it for increased power.
This thread from page two became a lengthy discussion on the MEVX5
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I like the looks, and it should certainly be pleasant to drive and practical.
My main concerns with these body replacements are:
1. As the weight is much the same, you don't get the automatic improvement in performance that a light weight kit would deliver.
2. If the body work is rusty enough to make the donor cheap, what is it like underneath? I have to say that with this style kit, it would be a really good idea to buy the best MX5 you can lay your hands on.
Another thought is how many MX5 kits can be built ubtil the bottom falls out of the spare part market?
Otherwise go for it
My main concerns with these body replacements are:
1. As the weight is much the same, you don't get the automatic improvement in performance that a light weight kit would deliver.
2. If the body work is rusty enough to make the donor cheap, what is it like underneath? I have to say that with this style kit, it would be a really good idea to buy the best MX5 you can lay your hands on.
Another thought is how many MX5 kits can be built ubtil the bottom falls out of the spare part market?
Otherwise go for it
As I have said on various Kit Car build sites the MEVX5 seems to me to be a thoroughly well thought out vehicle offering outstanding opportunities at very low build cost.
There are two obvious advantages.
Firstly the retention of the MX5 chassis complete and unaltered means THERE IS NO NEED FOR IVA. That is at least a Thousand pounds saved because every IVA invariably requires a retest. And a HELL of a lot easier for the builder.
Secondly retaining the solid well engineered reliable MX5 underpinnings and drivetrain means a great deal of work is saved. All the instruments + trim etc will stay usable which is MAJOR saving in terms of both cost and simplicity.
On my other kt car projects ( there are many) I have spent days just looking for suspension to fit, windscreens etc etc a nightmare. AND EXPENSIVE as I know to my cost.
Mr Mills has really done a very good job on this car. I would not hesitate to recommend the kit.
When I have finished the Midas, Minis (3), JC Locost, Banhams (2), Robin Hood, Spartan, Porsche RSK and V8 Dutton I have already bought in moments of pure madness I will be going to see the car and buying a kit.
However if I buy another Kit Car without getting the 11 cars above finished I will be singing treble at the hands of SWMBO.
I wont mention the NG or Jaguar XK.
There are two obvious advantages.
Firstly the retention of the MX5 chassis complete and unaltered means THERE IS NO NEED FOR IVA. That is at least a Thousand pounds saved because every IVA invariably requires a retest. And a HELL of a lot easier for the builder.
Secondly retaining the solid well engineered reliable MX5 underpinnings and drivetrain means a great deal of work is saved. All the instruments + trim etc will stay usable which is MAJOR saving in terms of both cost and simplicity.
On my other kt car projects ( there are many) I have spent days just looking for suspension to fit, windscreens etc etc a nightmare. AND EXPENSIVE as I know to my cost.
Mr Mills has really done a very good job on this car. I would not hesitate to recommend the kit.
When I have finished the Midas, Minis (3), JC Locost, Banhams (2), Robin Hood, Spartan, Porsche RSK and V8 Dutton I have already bought in moments of pure madness I will be going to see the car and buying a kit.
However if I buy another Kit Car without getting the 11 cars above finished I will be singing treble at the hands of SWMBO.
I wont mention the NG or Jaguar XK.
Dave Dax builder said:
£450 For the test.
£90 For the retest.
£90 Trailer hire (X3).
£120 Towing vehicle hire (X3).
£55 First reg fee.
£?? Fuel for towing vehicle.
By the time you are finished you won't have much change out of a Grand.
Precisely my view. £90 For the retest.
£90 Trailer hire (X3).
£120 Towing vehicle hire (X3).
£55 First reg fee.
£?? Fuel for towing vehicle.
By the time you are finished you won't have much change out of a Grand.
Everybody forgets the problem of getting to and from the test centre etc.
My point was that ALL kit builders should be aware of the costs and complexity of IVA. I remind prospective builders regularly that buying an OLD uncompleted Kit Car and trying to get it through IVA is a real challenge and in my view simply not worth the effort required. These kits were NEVER designed for examinations such as IVA.
One of the primary reasons for uncompleted kit car projects, which abound, is the failure of builders to appreciate the difficulties until they are into the project. Uncompleted Countach's being the bete noir.
I have seen one such car pass through at least five owners over 15 years.
It is still not finished and very probably never will be.
Back on the original thread I posted some shots I took of the car at the Newark show, followed by variants in different colours ... well I was bored and so have gone a bit further this time ...! 
Note that I'm not a Photoshop genius and these were knocked up in half an hour so the interiors might not stand up to close scrutiny(!) but they certainly give an interesting idea for some open top variants!
Simple convertible version
A slightly more complicated version, in the style of the Lotus Eleven 2 or Renault Sport Spider maybe?
Note that I'm not a Photoshop genius and these were knocked up in half an hour so the interiors might not stand up to close scrutiny(!) but they certainly give an interesting idea for some open top variants!
Simple convertible version
A slightly more complicated version, in the style of the Lotus Eleven 2 or Renault Sport Spider maybe?
Andy888 said:
Or you could just drive it to the IVA test.
I don't believe you can legally do this. You might be able to get away with it, but if they ask I think they can refuse/fail you. If they don't, then the coppers might sting you for something else, but again, it's at the owners risk.slomax said:
Andy888 said:
Or you could just drive it to the IVA test.
I don't believe you can legally do this. You might be able to get away with it, but if they ask I think they can refuse/fail you. If they don't, then the coppers might sting you for something else, but again, it's at the owners risk.A risk with the IVA is that the inspector could fail the car and declare said failure as a safety hazard which then means you can't drive it home.
Steve
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff