MX5 based kits/rebodys
Discussion
I was wondering if there's much based on an MX5, that's not a westfield type thing. I'm in italy so would need to deal with a shedload of paperwork if I start building a caterfield. I like the look of the retroforza kits, but I think they're out of production and I don't have the money right now to buy that on on ebay. But that's the kind of thing I'm after.
There are a couple, the prettiest by far is the Cyana. This is a variation of the Sylva / Stuart Taylor Motorsport Phoenix which is what i have. Single donor and very capable. Also someone was devoping a Fisher Fury with MX5 running gear, but I am quite sure it is in the USA and not sure if it is sold yet. Would make an awesome car if it is Supercharged to 200bhp (easy) and weighs less than 600kgs. Turbo power delivery may make it a bit of a handful when the boost kicks in.
Sorry I can't offer any direct advice, but I would like to pass comment... I've always thought the MX5 was ripe for a proper rebody project. Highly praised performance out of the box, a compliant chassis and a huge abundance of aftermarket parts if you fancy taking it that step further... seems like the perfect candidate for a simple re-style. I was working on this design a few months ago, just in 3DSmax (a CAD program) for the time being purely as a fun project. Lost interest and never really finished it which is why the renders aren't hugely polished but it gets the point across.
And some earlier ones, before I added the hardtop. I suppose it would be an option if it were a real kit. Along with the chin spoiler, bonnet vent, rear ducktail, etc.
The whole thing was designed to, theoretically, be fairly simple to put onto an MX5. All the panels are the same size as or slightly larger than the standard ones so there aren't any clearance issues, so in theory it could be a case of just bolt-on replacements or at worst, bonding onto the original paneling. You can't tell in these renders but the cockpit is completely unchanged - windscreen, doors and windows are standard MX5 parts unaltered, the whole thing is designed around those.
Apart from that Retroforza (I think?) kit there isn't really anything by way of a restyle for the MX5 - I think it's a market waiting to be tapped, to be honest.
And some earlier ones, before I added the hardtop. I suppose it would be an option if it were a real kit. Along with the chin spoiler, bonnet vent, rear ducktail, etc.
The whole thing was designed to, theoretically, be fairly simple to put onto an MX5. All the panels are the same size as or slightly larger than the standard ones so there aren't any clearance issues, so in theory it could be a case of just bolt-on replacements or at worst, bonding onto the original paneling. You can't tell in these renders but the cockpit is completely unchanged - windscreen, doors and windows are standard MX5 parts unaltered, the whole thing is designed around those.
Apart from that Retroforza (I think?) kit there isn't really anything by way of a restyle for the MX5 - I think it's a market waiting to be tapped, to be honest.
Edited by OwenK on Friday 8th August 00:03
crofty1984 said:
I was wondering if there's much based on an MX5, that's not a westfield type thing. I'm in italy so would need to deal with a shedload of paperwork if I start building a caterfield. I like the look of the retroforza kits, but I think they're out of production and I don't have the money right now to buy that on on ebay. But that's the kind of thing I'm after.
Whereabout are you in Italy ?OwenK said:
Sorry I can't offer any direct advice, but I would like to pass comment... I've always thought the MX5 was ripe for a proper rebody project. Highly praised performance out of the box, a compliant chassis and a huge abundance of aftermarket parts if you fancy taking it that step further... seems like the perfect candidate for a simple re-style. I was working on this design a few months ago, just in 3DSmax (a CAD program) for the time being purely as a fun project. Lost interest and never really finished it which is why the renders aren't hugely polished but it gets the point across.
I agree with you and like your new rebody design, the mx5 has great potential in my opinion and the Retroforza is a very nice looking panel job. Edited by OwenK on Friday 8th August 00:03
I would have thought that the the Retroforza would have sparked interest in Mx5 rebodies, but for some reason it hasn't yet.
I have a similar project in my drawers, but I'm not sure the timing is stil right, maybe we need to see a few more kitcar manufacturers consider mx5 rebodies as an alternative to a standard kitcar build.
I believe the mx5 has a lot of potential for new rebody/panel design.
Edited by fuoriserie on Monday 18th August 14:52
patmahe said:
What makes you think retroforza are out of production, I was seriously considering this kit too, had just e-mailed them on Friday in fact.
The website was all but dead and apparently people have had trouble contacting them.However!
I got an email from the guy last week. They only do a few kits a year (something to do with the tax threshhold/second job) and the forum was closed due to spam. But rest assured, they are still in business and selling the kits. Oh, and I'm near Milan whoever asked that.
Edited by crofty1984 on Wednesday 20th August 15:08
crofty1984 said:
patmahe said:
What makes you think retroforza are out of production, I was seriously considering this kit too, had just e-mailed them on Friday in fact.
. Oh, and I'm near Milan whoever asked that.Edited by crofty1984 on Wednesday 20th August 15:08
Edited by fuoriserie on Wednesday 20th August 16:00
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