ok everyone ! Here it is, 356 speedster on a MIATA

2 more pics,  and I forgot to mention this one is an automatic and it will have a luggage rack.  

Choice is good. Hey, it's got a trunk!

btw, "this is a running driving car not a computer rendering of one." .... ouch ....

Wow!!! Being an old school Miata fan, I can appreciate the effort you put into this build!  

This means you can do a 5.0L mustang transplant too!

Happy owner of a '16 Mazda MX-5 ND convertible (Miata) and a CMC unfinished Speedster in NW FL.  What a great idea - of course I'd like to see the new ND engine and drive train used - 155 hp with a 6 speed would be great.  That said, there are lots of performance parts for the older Miatas and, of course, many donors available for cheap.  Are you using the old CMC moulds?  Does it also use the Miata's AC and heating components?  How does weight compare to the Miata. Looking at the photos, I see familiar Miata underpinnings like the original trunk with gas tank and even the Miata 4 bolt pattern wheels.

Ok, its not air cooled, doesn't leak oil, and isn't tail heavy plus has modern conveniences like ABS, fuel injection and auto-trans (so maybe even paddle shifters!).  The price is right - I'm sure a lot of folks here would have an interest.  Great idea.  Now how about a coupe model too!

Write to the folks at ReinCARnation and have them do professional photos and a piece in their magazine.  They have many other Miata based reproductions there - from Caterham/Lotus Super 7, Aston Martin DB4, Ferrari, AH --- but never a Speedster!

https://www.rcnmag.com/topics/miata

WNGD posted:

Choice is good. Hey, it's got a trunk!

btw, "this is a running driving car not a computer rendering of one." .... ouch ....

Yeah, maybe abit harsh. My apologies. 

WOLFGANG posted:

Happy owner of a '16 Mazda MX-5 ND convertible (Miata) and a CMC unfinished Speedster in NW FL.  What a great idea - of course I'd like to see the new ND engine and drive train used - 155 hp with a 6 speed would be great.  That said, there are lots of performance parts for the older Miatas and, of course, many donors available for cheap.  Are you using the old CMC moulds?  Does it also use the Miata's AC and heating components?  How does weight compare to the Miata. Looking at the photos, I see familiar Miata underpinnings like the original trunk with gas tank and even the Miata 4 bolt pattern wheels.

Ok, its not air cooled, doesn't leak oil, and isn't tail heavy plus has modern conveniences like ABS, fuel injection and auto-trans (so maybe even paddle shifters!).  The price is right - I'm sure a lot of folks here would have an interest.  Great idea.  Now how about a coupe model too!

Write to the folks at ReinCARnation and have them do professional photos and a piece in their magazine.  They have many other Miata based reproductions there - from Caterham/Lotus Super 7, Aston Martin DB4, Ferrari, AH --- but never a Speedster!

https://www.rcnmag.com/topics/miata

 

Thanks, yes the possibilities are endless.  I know the guys at ReinCARnation magazine they did a piece on my other build and are scheduled to do one on this car soon.  Thanks again. 

I'm impressed! I could see reworking the tranny tunnel and the door cards...bigger wheels/tires to fill the fenders. Price is low. Is it possible to have a top?

Great work, John!

I posted a link to thread here on the Miata.net site.  They seem to have more of a rice racer drifter car interest in the section on Miata based custom/kit cars.  I think majority of those liking the Speedster look are Baby Boomers!

Yes a top is possible and in the works but not there yet, as far as other options we can customize it at any request.

356 builder posted:

WNGD posted:

Choice is good. Hey, it's got a trunk!

btw, "this is a running driving car not a computer rendering of one." .... ouch ....

Yeah, maybe abit harsh. My apologies. 

I don't know; given our recent history with another "builder", I thought it was pretty funny...

I noted you explained that you didn't want to offend........this bunch? Many of us are driving replicas that get pretty remote from the originals. You are among friends, don't be concerned.

Really interesting car! Look forward to learning more.

Panhandle Bob posted:

I noted you explained that you didn't want to offend........this bunch? Many of us are driving replicas that get pretty remote from the originals. You are among friends, don't be concerned.

Really interesting car! Look forward to learning more.

Thank you..

Very nice job  , John !  I would bet that if you built a coupe you wouldn't be able to keep up with your orders.  (as long as you don't take so many deposits that the wait gets to be several years)

Is the extra 5 1/2"'s all in front of the windshield to accomodate the engine?

Is that a hatch I see starting just behind the handle on the front hood, and is that the primary access for engine service and access to add fluids etc?

Last question. Have you tested to make certain that the car has enough airflow to the radiator? 

Very nice John.  You are a craftsman of the first order !!!

Congrats on your accomplishments.   I like the look.

This brings up a concept I often thought would be a great business...

A component chassis system that would allow the use of a tried & true drive train, be it Mazda, Subaru, what have you.   Such that you could build a rolling chassis in many configurations (diff wheel base, track, etc) that would also allow one of many body styles.

Imagine a replica builder with the option of the following body styles (I know... trade dress infringement issues, but hey, let's dream foor a minute):

Porsche 356 550, etc.

Jauguar E-type

Ferrari 250

Jaguar 120

Austin Healey

Aston Martin DB5

And so on... 

All different body styles that use a modern drive train brought together by modular chassis combinations.

Al Gallo posted:

Very nice job  , John !  I would bet that if you built a coupe you wouldn't be able to keep up with your orders.  (as long as you don't take so many deposits that the wait gets to be several years)

A removable hard to is also in the works but not completed, that is actually an easy one. Taking alot of deposits is not my style . I can build 3 comfortably at one time the time frame will be 4 months or 120 days probably a bit less start to delivery. 

Panhandle Bob posted:

Is the extra 5 1/2"'s all in front of the windshield to accomodate the engine?

Is that a hatch I see starting just behind the handle on the front hood, and is that the primary access for engine service and access to add fluids etc?

Last question. Have you tested to make certain that the car has enough airflow to the radiator? 

No the extra lenth is all in the center cabin,  front and rear are stock, the body is laid up in 2 halves with overlaping rockers  the doors are 5 inches longer. I can also build the regular shorter version.

356 builder posted:

Panhandle Bob posted:

Is the extra 5 1/2"'s all in front of the windshield to accomodate the engine?

Is that a hatch I see starting just behind the handle on the front hood, and is that the primary access for engine service and access to add fluids etc?

Last question. Have you tested to make certain that the car has enough airflow to the radiator? 

No the extra lenth is all in the center cabin,  front and rear are stock, the body is laid up in 2 halves with overlaping rockers  the doors are 5 inches longer. I can also build the regular shorter version.

And yes the air flow is adequate with the hood scoop and the vents it also has double electric fans.

Jethro - take a look at the ReinCARnation site I provided link to - almost all those classic cars are there.  The issue with the Miata is there is not pan - just a power train back bone like the old Lotus.  The trans is actually an integral part of the chassis too.  Seems it would be difficult to alter wheel base (new is 90.9") and like BoBG pointed out the engine is set back for balanced weight distro.

Jethro posted:

Congrats on your accomplishments.   I like the look.

This brings up a concept I often thought would be a great business...

A component chassis system that would allow the use of a tried & true drive train, be it Mazda, Subaru, what have you.   Such that you could build a rolling chassis in many configurations (diff wheel base, track, etc) that would also allow one of many body styles.

Imagine a replica builder with the option of the following body styles (I know... trade dress infringement issues, but hey, let's dream foor a minute):

Porsche 356 550, etc.

Jauguar E-type

Ferrari 250

Jaguar 120

Austin Healey

Aston Martin DB5

And so on... 

All different body styles that use a modern drive train brought together by modular chassis combinations.

I agree, there are many ways one can go. The part 9 l like the most is that it is a car that can be driven a lot with minimal maintnance repairs concernes , any mechanical issues can be handled by your local shops.

356 builder posted:

WNGD posted:

Choice is good. Hey, it's got a trunk!

btw, "this is a running driving car not a computer rendering of one." .... ouch ....

Yeah, maybe abit harsh. My apologies. 

Starke would be the only one offended by that.

Robert M posted:

356 builder posted:

WNGD posted:

Choice is good. Hey, it's got a trunk!

btw, "this is a running driving car not a computer rendering of one." .... ouch ....

Yeah, maybe abit harsh. My apologies. 

Starke would be the only one offended by that.

Well, so long as @Banzai Pipeline doesn't find out about the thread, you'll be fine. He'll come in asking for projections, financials, and orders to date.

In all seriousness though, I'm super excited for a Speedster version of the Williams F1 Electric Chassis.

I say/see/NOTHING: its all GOOD.

@356 builder John, wow! You have some seriously mad fabricating skilz. Great project and more power to ya! 

MusbJim posted:

@356 builder John, wow! You have some seriously mad fabricating skilz. Great project and more power to ya! 

Thanks to all for all the positive feedback.  

John, the 356Builder wrote: "No the extra lenth is all in the center cabin,  front and rear are stock, the body is laid up in 2 halves with overlaping rockers, the doors are 5 inches longer. I can also build the regular shorter version."

FINALLY!  A repudable answer for all of those "height challenged" guys that want to know if the seat can be moved rearward to accommodate some 6"-6"+ Speedsterguy wannabee!

THANK YOU!

Me?  I would probably take the "Mini-Me" version.......

Stan Galat posted:

Awesome project!  I do agree that a coupe version would keep you very busy indeed.

Cool build. Please bring it to Carlisle and park it next to my MG TD with the Subaru engine in the back. 

If all goes well I intend to be at Carlisle and yes I will park it right next to yours.   Thanks john.

John,

What you've done is nothing short of amazing. You're doing something that dreamers have been posting about since the beginning of this website.

I assume your car needs to be a wide-body to fit over the wheels, correct? Your market would be potentially bigger with a slab-side "traditional" speedster, I think. Just a thought.

 A miata based coupe with reliable air/heat,defrost and mechanicals could be a homerun.

My only concern is the absence of a  structure to provide protection in a broadside collision. That was a drawback in the old Lotus design as well. I'm getting old, worrying about safety, not a good sign.

Stan Galat posted:

John,

What you've done is nothing short of amazing. You're doing something that dreamers have been posting about since the beginning of this website.

I assume your car needs to be a wide-body to fit over the wheels, correct? Your market would be potentially bigger with a slab-side "traditional" speedster, I think. Just a thought.

Hi Stan,  thanks for the kind words.  The reason I went with the body was because I just happened to buy a set of CMC wide body molds, I can build one on a traditional speedster body but it would have to be a short one standard speedster wheelbase, I would have to purchase a body from a third party because I dont have those molds yet. In any case its all possible.  

Banzai Pipeline posted:

I say/see/NOTHING: its all GOOD.

Entrepreneurial pursuit is what makes America great and imagination and drive/dreams are often rewarded. I hate goat cheese and brussel sprouts and that's OK...so Ill just pass on  exuberance

Banzai Pipeline posted:

Banzai Pipeline posted:

I say/see/NOTHING: its all GOOD.

Entrepreneurial pursuit is what makes America great

Well, I am sure there are some who would trump that statement...

PepeSpeed and I had diner the other night - I drove him in my ND Miata.  I mentioned your build (he is in Oviedo, FL) to him.  Was your creation sold at the Feb auction?  Are future versions in the  works?  We both argued over the hood scoop - is it to clear the dual OH cams or for cooling air to the radiator?  Is there a grill/vent for radiator under the front bumper?

Hope to see another version soon.

Here's link to the ReinCARnation write-up.

https://www.rcnmag.com/garage/...-based-356-speedster

That hood scoop is ugly and detracts from the whole car. Otherwise it's a nice execution.