Fifty Shades Of Miata

"Bozi Tatarevic" (hoonable) 04/04/2015 at 12:11 • Filed to: miata

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The Miata is the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to all the good questions. Due to its small sporty platform and inexpensive price it has become the car of choice for many custom models and kit cars of late. Some of these are built for track duty while others are built for the cars shows. What happens when the wrong question is asked? In honor of the new head honcho, here are some of the best and worst Miata answers out there.

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TG Sports 1955

The TG Sports 55 is a replica of the 1955 MG TF that is based on the Miata. This is a kit car built using steel that ends up at a similar weight as the NA Miata. They build out the car frame and cosmetics and then you add the rest from your donor Miata. Engine placement and weight are the same as the Miata so it drives mostly the same but with a classic MG look.

M1Stang

At first glance, the M1Stang may look like the 65 Mustang that it is based upon but underneath it is all Miata. I am not sure who this was marketed for as it gained weight from the added steel and fiberglass for the re-body and it also was immediately noticeable as not being a true mustang due to its size and odd looking proportions. The cars were built by a former Cobra restorer and used everything from the Miata except cosmetics.

Ziata

These cars were built by Mad Mikes and featured body kits to make the Miata look like a BMW Z3. Other than the cosmetics, the Miata stayed essentially the same as stock. The kit was built by the same company that also made the 51 Ford kit to fit on the Chrysler Le Baron. This one had a little success when the Z3 was brand new and people wanted to look like they had one but the demand quickly dropped as prices came down. There was also a Z4 version that was built and is still sold in some places.

AMX07

You may take a look at this car and think that it is some sort of baby Aston Martin Vanquish but in reality it is a fiberglass front end from a Australian company in addition to some Fiat headlights that retails for about $5700. The AMX07 looks to much like someone forgot an Aston in the dryer and it may be why the model failed.

FM Westfield

This lightweight Lotus 7 replica is modified to have more space in the passenger compartment and comes in at around 1300 lbs when built. It used lots of parts from the Miata donor including the drive train, brakes, and steering. The kit can be picked up starting at around $15k through Flying Miata in the United States and customized as desired.

Cyana MX500

The MX500 is one of the more interesting versions that were based upon the Miata. It is based on the Phoenix kit car which is another version of the Louts 7 that has been modified. This car is fairly inexpensive to build and is also about 6 inches shorter than the Locost and Westfield kits. Like the others it uses the Miata drive train, suspension, and brakes.

Bullet Roadster

The Bullet was based on the Miata and used many of the body panels but underneath it was a very different car. It was built as a tube chassis and then skinned with the Miata body parts and a custom front end. The first generation came with the 13B rotary from the RX-7 while the second generation used the 1UZFE from the Lexus LS400 in order to meet stricter emissions standards. There were also a few customized examples built using a Ford V8. There was some talk of a new concept around 2010 but not much has been heard since then.

MEV Exocet

The Exocet is a cross between a Lotus 7 and an Atom and features a few different options. The base street version starts out around $7500 for the kit plus the donor Miata parts. It can be upgraded to a full racing roll cage and even a V8 motor if requested and can make a nice track toy.

[Photo Credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]

Bozi is the founder of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and creates articles on everything from engine swaps to late model car restorations. You can follow him on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or drop him a line at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 12:13

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Wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy a real Z3?

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 12:13

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Is it terrible that I kind of like this one?

1111111111111111111111 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 12:19

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I bought my 99 with the intention of doing the Exocet kit. Since then I like the car too much, and have been searching for a second. The price is right for the kit too it seems. Pretty easy way to loose 800 or so lbs.

Bozi Tatarevic > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 04/04/2015 at 12:38

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It just looks odd to me but this one is not too bad

1111111111111111111111 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 13:01

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Also the Catfish:

https://www.flyinmiata.com/catfish/

dr861 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 13:56

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I just vomited.

Kevin Barrett > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 14:35

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These wheels. I must have them.

Kevin Barrett > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 04/04/2015 at 14:38

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It would be now —probably not when this was done, however. You still get a "Z3" look (not accounting for why anybody would want that) that weighs a lot less and doesn't demand premium fuel.

61hp > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 14:41

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Fun list, but thats not a Westfield, not sure what it is, looks rear engined possibly.

This is a FM Westfield

Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW. > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 14:42

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Yoo forgot the Miata 2000..

Too bad Mazda didn't build the Cosmo 21, a Miata with 13b, otherwise i would buy it..

Alan > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 14:48

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Picture of FM Westfield isnt correct. That is a MEV Rocket based upon Mk1 Focus drivetrain bits. This is the FM Westfield:

Bozi Tatarevic > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 04/04/2015 at 14:49

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Yep, that is partly why the kits only sold for a little while. When the Z3 first came out this gave you the same look for a fraction of the price. Some people are into status and thus went for it. As the price of the Z3 became approachable, the kits stopped selling and then they started making the Z4 kit afterward

Alan > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 14:50

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You also forgot Exomotive MEV DBR1, probably one of the better looking kits available:

HangDC4 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 14:51

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Put a Ford emblem on it and call it a Ford Escort lol.

Alan > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 14:51

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And lets get a better picture of the Exocet up there. This is their new bodywork and full cage setup:

Bozi Tatarevic > Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW. 04/04/2015 at 14:51

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Ahhh yes the Toyota 2000 GT conversion, that is an interesting one too and even though the Cosmo 21 looks very odd somehow I have a strong want for it

Alan > Alan 04/04/2015 at 14:53

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Bozi Tatarevic > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 14:55

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The catfish is lovely and light.

Dream Theater of the Absurd > Alan 04/04/2015 at 14:56

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Looks a bit like a dirt sprint car. I like.

Bozi Tatarevic > 61hp 04/04/2015 at 14:58

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Good call, picture will be corrected

1111111111111111111111 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:03

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Totally. If it weren't twice the price of the Exocet that's what I'd be saving for.

Craig > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:04

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Looks a bit Fiskerish.

JamesGTRS > Kevin Barrett 04/04/2015 at 15:05

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ford rs wheels

Bozi Tatarevic > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 15:05

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Just build your own Catfish front shell for the Exocet

Bozi Tatarevic > Craig 04/04/2015 at 15:07

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Yeah, I can see it from the shape of the headlight and the grille arrangement

1111111111111111111111 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:09

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You should see the last thing I made with fiberglass. I'm all about the bolt on experience.

gzdesign > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:13

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All those Miatas, and not a single reference for the beautiful Simpson Italias? C'mon!

phigs > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:13

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that.... that's an S2000...

neihousejose > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 15:14

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I need this quite badly.

Dave > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:40

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Who makes the S2000 body kit in the first picture?

Dugg-117 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:49

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Miata may always be the answer but I spy an S2K

RX > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 15:56

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I guess the question was what do we do now that there are no usable fierros left for kit car duty. Miata answered.

Bozi Tatarevic > JamesGTRS 04/04/2015 at 15:56

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Nice catch!

nmalinoski > Alan 04/04/2015 at 16:01

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I have to say the Exocet looks much better with a full roll cage; on its own, the sweeping tube frame lines just look weird to me.

Bozi Tatarevic > phigs 04/04/2015 at 16:01

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James > dr861 04/04/2015 at 16:03

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The thing is, it wouldn't be terrible if they hadn't so royally fucked up the cut lines for the fender/bumper.

drunkenaviatorr > phigs 04/04/2015 at 16:05

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That was my first thought when I looked at that picture.

James > Alan 04/04/2015 at 16:05

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I know this would be a terrible idea, but I'd really dig an Exocet without any upper cage at all. No tubes above the sweeping horizontal lines. It would almost have a droppy-DS vibe to it, like a modern boattail if you really squint

Not Relevant > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 16:22

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Forgot one ... http://jalopnik.com/301153/vintage…

Stupid Flanders > phigs 04/04/2015 at 16:28

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It's actually a Miata-based replica of an S2000.

1111111111111111111111 > Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW. 04/04/2015 at 16:31

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I like the 2000 a whole lot.

Just Joshing > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 16:31

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I saw this earlier when I was shopping around: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/4907266855…

FullSpectrumPotato > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 04/04/2015 at 16:33

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I would never pay to make my car look like a BMW.

1111111111111111111111 > Alan 04/04/2015 at 16:36

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This is what I want, and will have in about 2 years. A 3.5 ecoboost swap, that would be icing on the cake.

Daniel Acosta > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 16:37

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God I WISH the miata was "inexpensive" down here...

bee1000 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 16:37

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This is such a bizarre idea that I can't help but love it. I have to assume someone has put a 5.0 V8 in one, just to make it even more absurdly perfect.

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 17:12

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This just doesn't work. I appreciate the idea behind it, but I think a stock NA looks miles better. Also, the roof is too upright for the Aston look to work.

Synchromesh09876 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 17:17

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You forgot the Italia. That one I can almost stomach. The rest of them look disgusting. As Zorg from The Fifth Element said: you should never be ashamed of who you are!

G/O Sucks > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 17:31

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Those are unreal fast. There's freshly built one using an '01 NB2 for sale in SoCal now.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/496134…

mcseanerson > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 17:41

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https://www.facebook.com/flyinmiata/pos…

Actually now you can buy a naked catfish for around $8k and complete it when you have more money.

Fresh-Outta-Nissans > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 17:41

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I would love a Miatastang, in red, on whitewalls.

Maxaxle > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 18:01

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And it's still so happy!

Maxaxle > Alan 04/04/2015 at 18:02

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six2 > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 19:09

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The want is strong with this one.

1111111111111111111111 > G/O Sucks 04/04/2015 at 19:15

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That looks pretty clean. And a bargin perhaps at that. The oem steering wheel looks way out of place.

KremerK3 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 20:00

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This is Awesome. Wrong choice of wheels though, this looks much better.

G/O Sucks > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 20:12

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I think it might be a company assembling them — It's exactly all the bits from the donor, leaving it up to the buyer on how to finish. You'd obviously fix the fuel neck, upgrade suspension, choose seats, wheels/tires, etc.

This seems like a bargain to me. At ~$3k for the trailer, ~$8500 for the chassis kit, plus $5k for a car (plus bushings, powder coating, etc.), you're saving a ton of work.

KremerK3 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 20:16

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I like it too, with a different set of wheels it would look perfect, also i think it needs to be lower.

RamjetS2000 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 20:53

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Now swap the engine for a 289 Hp and this would mess everybody up.

KremerK3 > Kevin Barrett 04/04/2015 at 20:56

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You'll find a set attached to one of these.

SX-70 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 20:57

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If I wasn't in the process of getting rid of my beat up NA (or maybe if it wasn't such a shed) I'd get a set of had wheels from the Cyana for it. I always loved those wheels.

1111111111111111111111 > G/O Sucks 04/04/2015 at 21:07

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yeah. it takes the guesswork out of the big jobs. I missed the trailer part. That is an awesome touch, and makes it really a bargain. If I weren't 2 days drive north I'd be looking at it seriously. Then again...if they can do it for that price I'm betting my mechanic could too.

Bozi Tatarevic > KremerK3 04/04/2015 at 21:08

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lowering gives it just the right look

Bozi Tatarevic > KremerK3 04/04/2015 at 21:08

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The windshield kills it for me. The proportions are just way too off

Valiant J > 1111111111111111111111 04/04/2015 at 21:14

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welp.....


There is a new goal in life. I think i'd rather have this than the s2000 i was contemplating...

Valiant J > RX 04/04/2015 at 21:16

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Miata answered....

Miata IS the answer...

KremerK3 > Kevin Barrett 04/04/2015 at 21:42

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These were also great period wheels, i had them on my mini 1100 special for a while.

Soloburrito > Alan 04/04/2015 at 21:53

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Does this one just not have the fenders installed or are fenders not part of the new body kit?

KremerK3 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 22:18

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Fixed! If only it were that easy lol.

Alan > Soloburrito 04/04/2015 at 22:20

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Fenders are a $500 option:

Bozi Tatarevic > KremerK3 04/04/2015 at 22:45

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The updated wheels and windshield actually make it look pretty good

moardots > Bozi Tatarevic 04/04/2015 at 23:40

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Ok so where can I get a TG sport 55. I can't afford a Morgan, and omg that is gorgeous.

mundotaku > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 04/04/2015 at 23:48

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At the time a 1990 Miata in good conditions was about $2,000 to $3,000 and the kit used to cost around $3,000. At the time, a Z3 would have cost over $20k. I remember seeing those kits for sale on Ebay all the time in the early 2000s and late 90s.

1111111111111111111111 > Valiant J 04/05/2015 at 00:39

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I went back and forth so many times. I was searching for my current ride for 6 months in a 120 mile radius. I still want an s2000, but I'm super happy with my result.

blacktruck18 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 00:39

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I want an exocet so bad......

MBG141 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 00:51

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10/10. Would hoon in the trails.

BenLikesCars > G/O Sucks 04/05/2015 at 01:12

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That's an imagination-magnet, definitely.

I like the itty-bitty space-saver wheels and tires...

Arguably, the current tires provide just enough traction for a 1400-pound car.

I looked around for information on such tires...

I came upon THIS, http://www.wheeldictionary.net/10a.html an exhaustive survey of ten-inch wheels, primarily for the original Mini of course.

paniconthenet > Just Joshing 04/05/2015 at 02:17

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Yea, I wouldn't mind that either, except the body kit. Sounds like a well built car, but would be more attactive to me as a 90 n.a. with a v8 motor

paniconthenet > KremerK3 04/05/2015 at 02:22

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Mmm. That top, I would give away my wife for a fixed top coupe like this. I've never enjoyed putting the top down on my car, but I love the miata platform enough that I won't get rid of it. my father had a 2012 hard top convertible...nice, but it wasnt the same.

G/O Sucks > BenLikesCars 04/05/2015 at 02:56

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Yeah, it's a bit comedic but functional to move it around I guess.

I'd go for a set of these — I have 15x9's on my NB.

G/O Sucks > 1111111111111111111111 04/05/2015 at 02:59

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Aw, where's your commitment?!

Actually, I doubt you'd come close to this price by hiring a mechanic. If it's not a company (upon second look I don't think it is), they're selling at a pretty good loss. I don't have the space for another track machine but if I did, I'd be all over that thing.

Joshua Spong > Daniel Acosta 04/05/2015 at 06:51

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You sound like an Aussie.

Houb > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 06:57

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Sadly you missed a small english company who makes bodykits for the Miata.

Here is tribute automotive's mx 250, a 250 GTO replica, and the Jag D type replica, they look a lot better than they should.

Chingadero > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 07:33

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Looks like something I'd steal in Grand Theft Auto...

David242gt > Alan 04/05/2015 at 08:08

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That looks pretty good.

The wire wheels have a few too many spokes for the vintage look but otherwise 10/10

Sando Calrissian > Alan 04/05/2015 at 08:12

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Suddenly I see the Atom in it

Sando Calrissian > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 08:17

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You wouldn't feel sort of like you were in one of those carnival rides with the stubby little cars going around in circles?

Bozi Tatarevic > Houb 04/05/2015 at 08:33

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What is the company?

Jdrentarol > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 08:35

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The hell?

Murphie > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 08:51

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Don't forget Miata as a workplace!

theothersawyer > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 10:31

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The red NA behind the Exocet in the top photo is mine!

Bozi Tatarevic > theothersawyer 04/05/2015 at 10:42

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haha Awesome!

Steve Cornelius > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 10:58

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freds4hb > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 12:02

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catfish!

Orvtrebor4124 > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 17:17

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I dig the custom race car look (that isn't imitating anything).

But the fake version of real cars is kinda gay.

Houb > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 19:44

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http://www.tributeautomotive.com

Been looking at buying an NA Mx-5/Miata here in the UK, they have a pretty good involvement with some forums.

gawdzillla > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 21:04

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i need this front bumper in my life

conflictedracer > Bozi Tatarevic 04/05/2015 at 21:58

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MEV Exocet is what the Exomotive Exocet is based off of but Exomotive has made substantial improvements to the kit and the bodywork - almost enough to be through of as a 2nd Generation version of the kit.

DoglegFirst > Craig 04/05/2015 at 22:13

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Didn't Henrik Fisker design for Aston Martin

Kesava Anderson > 1111111111111111111111 04/06/2015 at 00:44

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dear skymeat. thank you for showing me the light.