Best Miata-based cars

Best Miata-based cars

Source: Mazda USA - Inside Mazda

Over the past few decades, Miata enthusiasts have been exploring a multitude of MX-5 capabilities. Taking all of the great things about the Miata and amplify them, and they have achieved outstanding results. MX5 is no stranger to the kit-cars and low volume cars scenarios.

Blackwell SPR1

​This miata-based kit car combines the MK1 MX-5 platform with the appearance of a more modern exotic sports car. The appearance of Blackwell SPR1 is very attractive

MK1 was produced from 1990 to 1998. There are many variations and it can be purchased at a very low price.

From interiors to engine upgrades, turbocharging and V8 engine conversions, Blackwell can provide the perfect donation vehicle. The car can be equipped with multiple engines at the buyer's expense. For example, the one in the pic has a Mazda 2.5-liter KL V6 engine using a Crapengineering swap kit

Blackwell SPR1 price (kit-car form): Pricing for this awesome Mazda Mx5-based car starts at £ 3,250 for the targa version; so the Blackwell SPR1 can be yours for around £ 5,500, just under € 6,500.

Bauer Catfish

This Miata-based kit car is based on the MX-5 manufactured between 1989 and 2005. 

Bauer Catfish proves the versatility of the MX-5 engineering and is a powerful redesign exercise that focuses on chassis dynamics and handling skills. The kit is based on a carefully welded full-space frame chassis, which is bolted to the original MX-5 sub-frame, without any need for welding.

It's a fantastic track car and there is also the possibility to homologate it for the street, which makes it a great option as a road-legal barchetta.

Bauer Catfish Price:  This vehicle may be supplied as a Kit Car from 13.500€ (base price), without donor car and mechanical parts . The fully assembled car by an external company, including the donor vehicle could be about € 43,000. You can always assemble it yourself to save costs

Tipo 184

Although it seems incredible, this car is based on the Mazda MX-5. Now you can turn a 2nd-generation Miata into a tribute to the 1937 Alfa Romeo 158, one of the best grand prix cars ever.

The kit includes a space frame chassis, body panels and instrument dashboard. Also noteworthy is the great design of the exhaust pipe with four functional pipes and other four dummy pipes to simulate the appearance of the Alfa 158 supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine. The name Alfa 158 comes from the engine's 1.5-liter displacement and 8 cylinders. Therefore, this car was named 184 due to the use of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine of NB Miata.​
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Tipo 184 price: The starter kit cost £ 10,500 + VAT, and the full kit cost £ 17,700 + VAT.

MEV Exocet

The MEV Exocet is a sports car based on any Mazda MX-5 manufactured between 1990 and 2005. By shedding up to 400 kgs of the original donor car, the MEV Exocet becomes a lightweight performance car that keeps the balance and feel of the original Miata. This exoskeleton has a laser cut and bent, welded chassis, with high torsional stiffness.

Everything is already included in the kit, so it isn't necessary to look for external components; and it's easy to assemble. The typical build time comes in around 100 hours, and requires no specialty equipment outside of the standard maintenance tools you would use on any car.  

Engines typically range from anywhere between 100 hp- 550 hp depending on the engine. Weight varies as well, but they typically come in around 635kgs - 700kgs depending on the type of construction.

GBS Zero

The GBS Zero is a fantastic Locost that uses any Mazda MX5 produced between 1989 to 2005 as a donor. This car can be purchased completely factory-built, or purchased as a self-assembly kit. The GBS Zero has excellent handling because its 50/50 weight distribution is achieved by moving the engine from the front axle to the rear, which complements the fully independent front and rear suspension arms. 

GBS Zero Price: Buyers can choose from a variety of packages to fit all budgets, from a starter kit to the full kit that can be easily assembled by yourself. For example, GBS Zero Generation 2 Full Mazda Kit starts at £13.000 (15.300€ approx.)