Hello. I am an avid car guy and love the 50's Sport racers. I have been fortunate over the past 13 years to be able to build a nice kit car and some cars of my own design. Up until now I have used Corvette suspension and drivetrains.
A few years ago I purchased a Miata(MX5). I fell in love with it. Simple, Fun, and inexpensive. I decided that my next project would use Miata parts.
I was going to simply unbolt the suspension cradles and transfer them, along with the stock drivetrain, into a space frame that I would build. I purchased a body with this intent but it didn't work out.
I then tried to strip the body off of the Miata and design a 50's inspired body that would simple go over the Miata tub.
I kept running into a problem. The Miata's engine is mounted fairly far forward and it's tall. The fuel tank hangs in front of the rear suspension which pushes the seating position forward. I like the long, low bonnets and the short, rear seating position of the old cars. It's difficult to get the look i want by leaving the Miata mechanicals in their stock location. In addition I have long legs so added foot room would be great.
Recently I was able to purchase a 1958 Devin inspired body. I love the Swoopy look. I decided to build my project using this body as a starting point.
Here is what I am doing and my goals.
-1500lbs target weight.
-54% rear weight. (This is what I found that I like)
I have almost completed building my space frame. It has a 93 inch wheelbase. The Miata cradles bolt in. But, I moved the engine rearward by 12 inches from the stock location. The engine is still tall and I have to have a bulge to cover it. But, it helps with weight distribution and I can have the bonnet taper more quickly to the front.
The frame wraps around the occupants. It is 20 inches to the top of it. The doors will be functional. But, only the top half will open. The seam line will line up with the bottom of the full tilting bonnet. I like total access to the mechanicals. Unlike some cars, my bonnet will have a rear bulkhead. This will keep the shape true. I have done this with other cars with great success.
I am using a Porsche 356 Speedster windshield. It's the perfect fit. I think that it looks good. And, it's legal in the USA.
Here is a picture of the work in progress. Lots to do. More mods to come. Having fun, John