When I first spotted this from some distance, I thought it might be something along the lines of a Lotus 7. But as I got closer, certain elements began to suggest something a bit less exotic and a bit more familiar, like that windshield. Aha; this buggy was not built up; it was stripped down. Colin Chapman would approve, with his “simplify and add lightness” mantra, although there are a few elements on this Miata that don’t quite live up to that.
Shall we start the tour at the rear? This is actually the view I saw first, which made it a bit less obvious, at least from a bit of a distance. But the tell-tales soon appeared.
Like the independent rear suspension. Nope, this is not some improvised buggy.
I’ve made my first acquaintance with a Miata’s gas tank and filler pipe. Looks like the original mini-spare has been kept.
The front does rather give it away, with that windshield and the distinctive Mazda DOHC cam covers. The air horns are not exactly Chapmaneseque. That would apply to the front bumpers too; it’s not like the Elan’s fiberglass bumper was useful as a battering ram.
1.6 liters of unadulterated enjoyment. So how much less does this stripper Miata weigh compared to the fully clothed version? Hmm…
Of course this is the ultimate giveaway; not much changed here except the steering wheel?
Aha! The MAZDA logo made it in the radiator guard.
This house does seem to attract unusual cars. This one came to mind, the Buick Century Brougham de Baroque Turquoise and Gold Edition, which I shot here way back in 2013, and I’m quite certain there have been others. It’s almost certainly the same owner; their creative energies have evolved some over the years.
What fun! But Chapman might not approve of 2 taillights too many!
With some slightly more aggressive tires, also narrower, this could be an evolution of the British sporting trials specials of the 1930’s that eventually bred some production sports car brands. Now going full circle, I can also see it bouncing up a steep rutted hill in the British rain and gloom. Or maybe it’s time to start that up in Oregon. This Mazda and the XB could compete against each other. Throw in a few Gambler cars and it could be a big event.
How I would like to turn up with this at the biannual inspection here (Germany) and watch the inspectors immediately getting their panties in a bunch…
This is better than some other Miata efforts that I’ve seen. It looks like it would be a lot of fun though not any better than the original Miata.
Very funky looking and probably a lot of fun to drive. My issue with this sort of conversion on a Miata is it was already a fun and special car. This sort of conversion is more appealing to me if they used a mass market and/or unappealing car to make a fun toy. Miatas have always been more rare and expensive in Canada so my perspective could be a bit warped.
Kid across the road from me created a MiataKart in their barn, it was a lot of fun.
Today I drove my Miata, 70F and full sun, yes of course I am wearing my BRG Simplify And Add Lightness shirt.
Lastly, that Buick – incredibly rare with that rear wheel steering option!
Interesting, I wonder how they get license tags for this deathtrap .
-Nate
Step 1 – Register stock Miata
Step 2 – Convert Miata to Miata kart
It probably isn’t (much) more dangerous than the unmodified base car.
Tags were handed over when the title was registered; the VIN is physically checked if title is transferred from another state. No vehicle safety inspection in Oregon. Emission testing if registered in Portland or Medford.
Reminds me of the old Sport Compact Car series where they systematically lightened a B15 Sentra down to a floorpan, drivetrain, and four space-saver spare tires.
Given the NA’s Italianate propensity to tinworm, dispensing with the crap bits is probably a good idea.
Does look a bit structurally dubious – I’d have expected more of a Seven-style spaceframe.
Rust problem solved! And they don’t have to worry about the ventilation system for the battery, either.
That owner might be someone interesting to meet. Or maybe you’re not the glad-handing gaddabout that Las Vegas’s “Count” is . . . for instance ?
S