MAZDA MX5/EUNOS/MIATA

Friday 23rd March 2007

Mazdatona

How to make your MX5 look Italian. Sort of.


Italia
Italia
Manta Ray
Manta Ray
Miami
Miami

Apparently, the Lotus Elan was a large influence on the original Mx5. It’s kind of obvious really when you look at the styling. However, if you wished those original hardcore Mazda engineers back in Japan – dedicated to simplicity, respectable kerb weights and rear-drive thrills – had taken more exotic influences, an American company may have the answer.

Simpson design has come up with the ‘Italia’, a kind of trad 1960s Italian look. You can even get wire wheels, if you really insist.

There’s also the Manta Ray kit which is a bit more American – named after and influenced by the Corvette Stingray presumedly. And then there’s the ‘Miami’ which seems to ape the Ferrari Daytona.

A kit, including painting, will set you back under $8000 in the States. Rumours that Simpson’s next MX5 project has Jaguar XJS influences, and a 5.3 V12 engine conversion from the old British warhorse, remain unfounded…

Links

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Author
Discussion

hornetrider

63,161 posts

205 months

Friday 23rd March 2007
quotequote all
I'm loving the back of that Italia, looks well cool!

bigjimmy

3,123 posts

240 months

Friday 23rd March 2007
quotequote all
hornetrider said:
I'm loving the back of that Italia, looks well cool!


I agree, but it looks more US muscle to me.

hornetrider

63,161 posts

205 months

Friday 23rd March 2007
quotequote all
I see what you mean. If you click the link to the website, the front is very Griffith-a-like. Quite tasty!

Kinky

39,556 posts

269 months

Friday 23rd March 2007
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