This Mialfa Romazda Is The Answer To The Question No One Asked

"DailyTurismo" (thedailyturismo) 08/05/2014 at 13:05 • Filed to: daily turismo, blog

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This is why I keep telling people that drugs are bad. The Mazda MX-5 is a fantastic automobile that brings endless smiles and a relentlessly reliable driving experience; the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider is a hauntingly beautiful car with classic street cred, unmatched in its price range.

Unfortunately, if you try to combine them into one vehicle...well...let's just say it isn't as good as it looked on the paper you just rolled up for snorting purposes. The Spider front end goes with the MX-5 body about as well as peanut butter goes with ebola between two pieces of white bread. Find this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! offered for $8,000 in Laguna Beach, CA via craigslist.

It might be a bit unfair to compare the product of some fabricators time to a deadly disease...but I think my eyes are starting to bleed a little bit. The front end picks up certain aspects of the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! front grill, but the bumper and radiator openings are wide-set in a catfish like grin. The only thing for certain is that someone spent a huge chunk of time forming the sheet metal and/or fiberglass front end because this doesn't look like a kit you could buy. The back end on the other hand is much more aesthetically pleasing. What is up with those wheels?

From a mechanical perspective this car appears to be 2nd generation Mazda MX-5, which means it is powered by a 1.8 liter inline-4 cylinder engine that pushes 140 horsepower and 119 ft-lbs of torque into a 5 speed manual gearbox.

Out back things are actually not that horrible looking, and it looks like something you might not be ashamed to drive if the Alfa Romeo badge was removed.

Tip from Gianni...although he did ask us to say it was someone else...

Originally published as !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

See a better mashup for sale? email us here: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 13:09

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Other than the color, I think it is not that bad.....but then again, I am kind of a weirdo.

for your reference.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 08/05/2014 at 13:10

1

Yeah, it looks good. I'd DD this no problem.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 13:11

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At first I misread the headline and was excited: Rotary Spider! And then I saw it and I wasn't excited any more.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 08/05/2014 at 13:13

3

Thank god this picture was here in the comments to quell the sickness caused by that miata.

PS9 > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 13:17

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Wish folks wouldn't try to classicify modern cars, unless they do a complete job inside and out.

DailyTurismo > PS9 08/05/2014 at 13:21

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At least that thing started life as a Corvette. The Alfa nose and badges on a Mazda just rub me the wrong way. I'm fine with custom cars, but why not design something unique?

I think the Miata Italia qualifies as unique.

PS9 > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 13:34

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Now all that needs is a high revving italian V8. Too bad they don't sell those in a crate.

DailyTurismo > PS9 08/05/2014 at 13:42

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You can get it in a crate ...its just gonna cost you more than a beachfront house in Malibu.

PS9 > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 13:50

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I can get this instead for the price of a long term rental house in florida. Not italian anymore, but the Miata never was anyway, right?

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 14:47

2

Where did that come from, and how can I get one?

PeteRR > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:48

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The haunches and back end look good. The nose is way too busy.

G/O Sucks > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:51

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Sweet Beelzebub, what evil hath thy douchebag owner wrought upon thee!

Oddly, that cost a damn fortune to make, paint and install — With the car itself, it was likely enough to get oneself a driveable Alfa Duetto! BTW, it's a 1999 or 2000, and 138 or 140 HP, depending on year. They offered 6-speeds then but I think only on the 10 year anniversary model...

Patrick George > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:52

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Kerberos824 > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:53

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Reminds me of this travesty.

Swap whatever you want in there, but leave the body alone people.

G/O Sucks > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:54

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The Italia is still pretty douchey but it's just "of its own identity" enough to not be a complete fail. Still, way too much 275 GTB wannabe for self-respecting drivers.

Pessimippopotamus > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:55

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Hmmmmmmmmm. An Italian MX-5...

t_s > PS9 08/05/2014 at 16:55

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I like that. It would be even better if they'd used two MV Agusta F4 engines for that added Italian-ness. Or how about two Aprilia V4s in line?

Mash_Tun > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:56

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G/O Sucks > Patrick George 08/05/2014 at 16:56

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That is an indisputable FACT, yet still nowhere near enough to redeem it at all.

2cvhoonage > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 16:59

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maybe this is just an early prototype for next year's Alfa Spider-Mazda MX-5 joint venture. I think more work needs to be done...

JayHova > PS9 08/05/2014 at 17:00

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A Alfa Montreal V8 shouldn't be too hard to obtain.

Daniel MacCabe > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:01

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thats pretty! I like!

Ivan Moore Bacon Wright II > Kerberos824 08/05/2014 at 17:02

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Is that real or photoshop? Please say photoshop.

TCBrooks > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:03

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I'll just leave this here...

Dirka > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:04

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Can anyone suggest other ways to make an MX5 look different from stock. Especially if it's shamefully ripping off classic British roadsters rather than Italian ones?

Superburneraccount > PS9 08/05/2014 at 17:04

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Judd F1 V10.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:04

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That's actually brilliant.

G/O Sucks > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:04

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BTW, the only Miata "rebody" worth a damn — The Pitcrew fastback. Fiberglass nose, carbon doors, custom fastback, Lotus Elise seats, etc. Weighs a little over 1800 lbs. He's a Jalop here who I hope will chime in.

DailyTurismo > TCBrooks 08/05/2014 at 17:05

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I sort of...like..?...it...

DailyTurismo > Patrick George 08/05/2014 at 17:07

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Haha! Can you do my headlines in the future? I can't pay you much, but I have a sister who makes $1555 an hour on the web...

Richard > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:08

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1939 Lincoln Zephyr tail lights

DailyTurismo > G/O Sucks 08/05/2014 at 17:08

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Much better - it adds a retro look without being too dy/dx.

zyodei > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:09

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Front looks a bit the mess up close but all right from a distance, the rear is brilliant, and...why the hell not? 8/10 would drive.

DailyTurismo > 2cvhoonage 08/05/2014 at 17:10

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Looks like a one-toothed vampire. "I'm counth drathula....ooo—aaa—aatthhhh"

DailyTurismo > PeteRR 08/05/2014 at 17:11

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Amen bro. It is a real JLo of an automobile.

justregisteralready > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:15

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If the front overhang were shortened 4-6 inches, the proportions wouldn't be near as bad. Other than the front sticking out too far, it's not that bad.

G/O Sucks > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:17

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Right, it's got a little something classic but it's made to be functional — The sleeker top, wider track, lighter weight, etc. I've seen it at Laguna and it's fast as f**k. These are great project cars on their own but this one has been taken to the limit, IMHO.

Quade > PS9 08/05/2014 at 17:29

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Ugh 1/2 the timing chains on the front and 1/2 on the back. That has to be an audi design. I'd rather have a $500 Lexus V8 with ITB's/

Kerberos824 > Ivan Moore Bacon Wright II 08/05/2014 at 17:35

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Unfortunately it appears to be real...

http://www.cobracountry.com/monster/

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:35

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Needs better door handles.

Time Traveler > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:42

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I like it. Looks completely different than all of the other cookie cutter crappy miatas out there

PS9 > Quade 08/05/2014 at 17:48

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It's not. Hartley's engines are from the ground up, and usually use motorcycle heads. trading for the 1UZ = Bye bye revs, and bye bye 450HP from 3L NA, in exchange for a soundtrack you've heard before, considerably less power, and considerably more weight. No thanks. Ever try to change the starter on a 1uz?

Battles > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 08/05/2014 at 17:49

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Exactly, it's a good looking car in a bad colour with the wrong wheels.
And putting the Alfa badges on is a bad call. Fix those things and you could have a great daily driver.

Dr_Watson > TCBrooks 08/05/2014 at 17:53

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I'll never understand replica Z3's... the real ones are cheap and slow enough on their own. At least ape a Z8 if you're going to try.

Joseph Shaul > G/O Sucks 08/05/2014 at 17:53

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...how do I get one?

G/O Sucks > Joseph Shaul 08/05/2014 at 17:55

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Google "pitcrew Miata" and research. This guy (goes by "garage woolery") built his from various parts.

Frank Grimes > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 17:56

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How do we feel about pit crew conversions? sometimes I think it looks great others I am like meh.

DailyTurismo > Frank Grimes 08/05/2014 at 18:07

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I like custom stuff, I really do — mass produced cookie cutter crap is boring...but...car designs isn't like building a house. Aesthetically they are REALLY difficult to do right, I think because we've assigned them with human like levels of personality — and they have faces.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Battles 08/05/2014 at 18:08

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Yeah, but that grille you kind of have to put the badge on....maybe the could call it the Alfa Romeo-ish.

daender > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 18:20

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Nardi badge on the center of the wheel = '99-'00 NB1 Miata. NB2 have the Nardi emblem moved to the bottom spoke.

Shiftright > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 18:21

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Dunno, not that bad actually

Quade > PS9 08/05/2014 at 18:21

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It's a Lexus, they last forever (mostly....). I don't find anything hard about working on the 1UZ. Intelligently designed and durable. 6 bolt mains. You can have it in aluminum or cast iron. From 4.0 to 5.8 liters.

It's already been swapping into a Miata too. That's the lower HP non-VVTI engine.

I know you and I aren't looking for the same kind of engines. I think being cheap, reliable and easy to service with off the shelf parts is what i like about the UZ's. Put one in my IS300. It's 80 lbs lighter than the 2JZGE it replaced.

CranialEctomy > PS9 08/05/2014 at 19:24

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I saw a few of these up at the Good Guys NW Nationals in Washington recently. I'm not sure which I hate more, the C1-styled or the Stingray-styled rebodies. They're just so bloated and gross. Seeing these monstrosities parked next to genuine C1's and Stingrays made my stomach churn.

86it > CranialEctomy 08/05/2014 at 19:34

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The windshield ruins it. Well actually all of it ruins it.

CranialEctomy > 86it 08/05/2014 at 19:44

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The windshield, the door mirrors, and the entire interior ruin it most of all. Not to mention the pretentious young losers who are inevitably standing by/driving it, thinking they've done the world a service by bringing this hideous beast into the hot rod inner sanctum.

Also, them standing next to the car prevents us upstanding Jaloponauts from spitting on, keying, smashing, urinating on, or otherwise destroying these revolting creations, as the book of Jalop says we must.

Cebu > G/O Sucks 08/05/2014 at 19:47

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Dude, I betcha I could do a Miata rebody worth a damn that's totally original.

Cebu > 2cvhoonage 08/05/2014 at 19:48

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Eugh! No! Don't go spoiling my dream where the Alfazda get married on some beach and everything works out! NOOOOOOOO WHY!

Cebu > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 19:49

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Wierdly enough, I'd buy it if I had the budget to make it look proper.

G/O Sucks > Cebu 08/05/2014 at 20:02

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"Could"? Then why have you not? Talk is cheap.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > PS9 08/05/2014 at 20:07

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My god... what kind of sick bastard designs a starter in the valley of a vee engine?

Not only does this person hate themselves, they clearly hate humanity also...

JPS > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 20:07

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I like the italia so much I got one :)

Cebu > G/O Sucks 08/05/2014 at 20:10

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Because this article just gave me the idea. I'll have to look up some photos of the Miata's profile to redesign... MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! MWAHA! HA!

Delusion77 > G/O Sucks 08/05/2014 at 20:15

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I really like everything about that except for the front lights. Id just keep the popups from the NA :)

G/O Sucks > Delusion77 08/05/2014 at 20:20

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Personally, I would too. But this is pretty cool.

dolsh > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 20:47

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It could have been worse...

faykheera > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 21:11

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I don't know. I (in all seriousness) think this is fantastic.

supra-squirrel > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 21:15

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COTD?

Maxaxle > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 21:51

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I really don't care what the price is, that's an instant CP in my book.

Kid Cars > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 22:10

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I'm not so sure. It...almost works. I think my biggest issue is the transition from grill to hood right here. But the lights and fenders look pretty good to me. And the back looks pretty well done. At least the went with period correct wheels too.

powerrr > PS9 08/05/2014 at 22:28

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I...I like this.

Derrick Smith > Pessimippopotamus 08/05/2014 at 23:05

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HHHHNNNNNGGGGGG.

Vegibomb > G/O Sucks 08/05/2014 at 23:10

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I just came here to post exactly this (same car even). Good show.

ToastedTires > DailyTurismo 08/05/2014 at 23:20

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Maybe it's because I'm not an Italian car fanatic, but I think it looks great.

Lawyer_Applegate > DailyTurismo 08/06/2014 at 00:20

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Without AA, it becomes a MILF. I think there's a metaphor there...

Jonah > DailyTurismo 08/06/2014 at 02:08

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if your looking for miata based cars there's not much cooler than the bauer catfish

Monsterajr > DailyTurismo 08/06/2014 at 03:16

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I volunteer to remove the badges and the grill. Please provide me with GPS and I will head there post haste...

Ivan Moore Bacon Wright II > Kerberos824 08/06/2014 at 07:37

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Cantwell > TCBrooks 08/06/2014 at 07:47

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Oh, lord. Its an automatic, too. Zero redeeming qualities.

PureSilver > JPS 08/06/2014 at 08:11

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Build thread?

SantaRita > DailyTurismo 08/06/2014 at 14:15

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This is how you make an Italian miata. Miata Italia

SubGothius > Kid Cars 08/06/2014 at 16:35

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Yeah, that weirdly snub-nosed front end is the fatal flaw; seriously, what's with the hard crease and flat surface there? Other than that, it least seems well-executed and reasonably attractive, for what it is.