An upcycled Mazda MX-5 (and Ant Anstead) created this brand new classic - Tipo 184 review

An upcycled Mazda MX-5 (and Ant Anstead) created this brand new classic - Dowsetts Tipo 184 review. Jonny Smith takes the exclusive first drive of a new kit car that uses a rusty 1.8-litre mk2 Mazda Miata as an organ donor and gives customers the option to DIY kit build or order as a turn key car. Race or road legal, your choice.
The Dowsetts Tipo 184 was co-devised as a project by Wheeler Dealer and TV mechanic Ant Anstead and experienced engineer/car builder Darren Collins. For more info on the Tipo head to tipo184.com/ .
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
Archive clips of Ant and his original 'Master Mechanics' build are credited to the Wheeler Dealers KZbin Channel.
We have used these clip(s) after careful research into the legalities surrounding 'Fair Use', knowing that we have used the clip(s) in a factual, reportage manner to validate the discussion point(s) made in our videos, by the person(s) involved in the original footage.
We have used as short a clip as possible to validate said point(s). We have also used the clip(s) in the confidence that it will act in a positive, transformative way to the original clips. With that in mind, please check out the Wheeler Dealers KZbin channel: / wheelerdealerstv and their Master Mechanic playlist, which documents Ant's original build: • Ant Anstead Master Mec...
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Filmed and Edited by: Phil Vaughan Pritchard www.philvfilms...
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#mazdamx5 #projectmiata #restomod #thelatebrakeshow #antanstead #wheelerdealers #4k

[@TVtwarn]

I’d love either a supercharged or itb converted car ! And that’s coming from someone with a 280bhp turbo mk1 mx5 That gear linkage is absolutely beautiful ! Brilliant use for ‘too far gone’ mk2 cars

[@hobbitman27]

My first thought was ITBs too, maybe with some race cams. I bet that would fly.

[@TVtwarn]

@@hobbitman27 my preference would be itbs more than supercharger . Just feels right . Agree - Some bumpy cams and bodies would be cool :)

[@CarBore]

ITBs would be awesome on one of these. Need to get them on my own mx5 first 😂

[@mtskull59]

Fantastic and I want one! A word of warning though: U.K. construction & use regulations state: “every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be equipped with wings or other similar fittings to catch, so far as practicable, mud or water thrown up by the rotation of its wheels or tracks”. The MOT is a test of specific items, not of general compliance with the C&U regs, therefore the Tipo can pass an MOT without any wings or mudguards (the presence of which isn’t a testable item) yet it is still an offence to use it the road without them.

[@rogerandlyndabeall3840]

The gear linkage will take off your kneecaps in a small accident. I have a lotus 7 replica. it is safer.

[@FastNBulbous]

32 minutes ago I had no idea this existed. And now I don’t know how I can continue to live without it.

[@andystokes8702]

I built a couple of kit cars about 35 years ago. I can assure you that the sense of achievement you get the first day that you drive a car that you have put together yourself is like no other. I would certainly build this one in a heartbeat given the right circumstances.

[@CyberCurtainTwitcher]

I think the most exhilarating thing for me was turning that key and it actually starting! All those months rebuilding the engine, fumbling around with a mass of wiring harness, fuel lines, cooling system etc etc and you think to yourself "I must have overlooked something, it can't start first time" and then it does! My Dad was so proud of my achievement (may he rest in peace).

[@paulhelman2376]

I had a similar experience but ultimately relatively dangerous and little resale value.

[@iammaximus614]

@@paulhelman2376 anything that burns, smokes & makes noise is any boys dream from the start

[@barnestim]

The reason MX5s are relatively expensive in Australia and New Zealand is that they don't rust on our roads (no snow = no salted roads). So NA and NB MX5s are still viable cars, even with high kms and age (My 1994 NA8 has 250000kms with a big supercharger and is still going strong :)

[@peterbarber7613]

Tim Barnes. you are lucky that you dont go to the snow fields in Australia with it

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@peterbarber7613 I've been overseas for a while, but since when have the roads up Buller, Buffalo, Hotham, Falls or wherever you go north of the Murray been salted? Fit chains when signed, yeah?

[@Ben-Rogue]

It's a real shame they're so expensive here now, as I wish I could afford another some day. But I guess it keeps them out of the hands of teenagers who just want something cheap to destroy for a bit of fun, like is happening with Falcons these days.

[@PazLeBon]

didnt realis they had gone up in value. ny monocco edition NB is rust free cos brought it to spain 20 years ago

[@Jimmy_Broadbent]

Those NB dials actually don't look *too* out of place. Proper bit of creative engineering this.

[@Excludos]

So..when are you buying one? If I had the money I'd be on the phone already

[@fingmoron]

Jimmer likes late brake show very nice... now buy one already ;)

[@hawaiisteve932]

That is quite brilliant , I love the concept , it works perfectly , I did a 27 T track roadster out here using a crashed 1980 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider , my son & I built it , it had E type hubs with 16" XK140 wire wheels , very similar concept , I even built a twin Weber manifold . Keep this kind of content coming it is very inspirational .

[@JMc.D]

I was very excited when Ant did the show. Building my own car is a bucket list item for me and this is very high on the list. When you think of it £20k is not a lot for what you get out of it. Look at the money people spend on, to be honest, not very big boats. A great achievement to bring it to the market. I’ll definitely wait to see what other body styles become available. And if they fit the same mounting points, why not drive a silver arrow one week, an auto union the next!

[@ragemydream]

Great work by Darren. We need more people like him to keep the legacy of cars alive by using smart thinking. Must be amazing driving a classic style vintage car but with the reliability from a japanaese MX-5

[@TheDevilVaper]

It's absolutely amazing to see you driving around the village I grew up in, as well as driving past my old house where you pointed out the broken MX5 😆 (that's my mates car) I also had the pleasure of helping Ant and the Dowsetts team with the original Tipo charity car which was awesome to be a part of.

[@HTMLEXP]

This is also a very environmentally sound approach too! Rather than a scrap vehicle being thrown away, it gets to live again a new vehicle. The new vehicle doesn't require so much new resources.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

I'm doing the climate impact project for over £10 billion of investments. Ie: I've done some homework! I think it's all about our demand for energy so broadly I agree 👍. Not sure they'll see loadsa action in the UK weather but other hobbies I'm sure emmit worse

[@dashcam2417]

@@benpenagonzales6014 The UK are sacrificing themselves for the sake of climate ... no Sheffield steel ,,but happily buy steel from coal fired China . No major car companies, but buy German cars built with Russian oil . No new nuclear power stations, but by electricity from France with more nuclear stations than the rest of Europe . We are building solar farms in an generally non sunny country and wind farms in a generally non windy country . This from a country which are still expecting the arrival of Acid Rain !!!!

[@oxcart4172]

How is it? It's still pumping out CO2!

[@dashcam2417]

@@oxcart4172 just like every country around the world but less amounts ... UK are 17th on the world table for co2 pollution

[@Zeem4]

​@@oxcart4172 Engine/gearbox/suspension component factories create a lot of emissions, so re-using a perfectly good drivetrain from a scrap car prevents those emissions from being created.

[@beauthestdane]

Love the concept. Still driving my 1.6L 1993 NA Miata that I bought new, almost 200k miles on it now. The durability of the drivetrain is truly excellent, wish I could say the same about the body and rust...

[@georgkohlhas8131]

I guess the rust is quite durable as well 😎

[@beauthestdane]

@@georgkohlhas8131 It is certainly becoming plentiful.

[@lynndonharnell422]

Except for the 1.6 short nose issue

[@beauthestdane]

@@lynndonharnell422 Yeah, not an issue for me, but I have heard of the issues.

[@Shro0mStar]

This was fantastic! such a beautifully executed recreation that's not half a million dollars/pounds.

[@operationscomputer1478]

the alfa 159 at alfa musico storico is insured for more than 25 million euro when it leaves the museum.

[@ronmatthews1738]

It's not a recreation, it's a kit car that looks like an Alfa from a distance. Like having a Countach body on a VW chassis. Enjoy it if that's your thing, but I'd rather have the honesty of the MX5.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

What fun! Would love to see a race series for these. Wishing Dowsett the best. And maybe mazda would support him? The US west coast Mazda are good guys, 👍

[@JAY61ish]

Yes .. like the legends series but full size old style cars..

[@rv9990]

This is beautiful. The proportions are so good as well! Would rather use a Z3/Z4 for this. Because 6 cilinder. And ITB is a must!

[@phenomanII]

I love anything that looks old but has more reliable running gear that is more likely to be kept on the road. The fact that it was possible to do with even budget builders in mind and with a decent safety rating is awesome.

[@danielprivate7442]

16:28 I love it....he laser cuts "ECU" into the tray he mounts the ECU in. Nice touch.

[@MrScotty5877304]

This is obviously at the epic extreme end of the scale but I don't know why manufacturers don't go back to the 50's,60's,70's. Can you imagine if Jag suddenly said were re releasing the E-Type looks the same but all modern guts and interior. Doesnt even have to be an E-Type I'd bet if Ford re-release the Capri a Capri ST they would fly out the dealerships and surely it doesn't have to cost the world, it must be doable on existing chassis's with not too much tweeking.

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

I’m guessing over a certain number built it’d have to pass emissions, safety tests, need airbags etc,

[@nna9509]

They already do that on old chasis units that weren't utilised during production. But after those old chasis are gone, you can't reproduce old cars again.

[@jibson0011]

Totally agree, manufacturers should make better use of r&d to affordably be able to build their back catalogue. This is what we want lol!

[@georgedaville4662]

Absolutely brilliant video Jonny, great to see a guy who is giving us an amazing automotive experience for very little money. The detailing and engineering is exquisite. I love the exhaust manifold with the 8 branch manifold with 4 as blanks. The gear change is a work of art. Another one for the Lottery bucket list. You looked like a kid in a toy shop driving it, amazing you didn’t meet any tractors down the country lanes 😂😎👍🇬🇧

[@william-131]

The two things I do not like are the fake exhaust manifold. Several 4 cilinder GP cars existed at the time so why a fake 8 branch manifold? Second thing is minor but I would like to see a taller rear wheel like basically all GP cars had and still have. For the rest, great car and a great movie!

[@adrianbotez6832]

@@william-131this is what exactly I have in mind. I’ve spec a kit with 18” rims and I will install a 6 cylinder in line engine, aluminum block, carbureted N52 BMW. . With 6 exhaust pipes, nothing fake.

[@whitford0]

I’ve got a well sorted turbo track mx5, and can confirm if I wasn’t so attached to the one I’ve got I’d swap it in an instant. Ill be building one of these in the next few years for sure.

[@brunoorlandi1773]

Tomorrow the kit of one of my clients arrives in my workshop, then the assembly begins, The seat arrived last Friday and is of excellent quality.

[@Halfwaythere_]

I wasn't expecting a Miata to be turned into something like this which is pretty damn cool .and it sounds great

[@MrScotty5877304]

Don't get why Mazda chose to call it a Miata in the states, its a small sports car in Europe in the states it must look really tiny. Then they go and give it a name like Miata atleast MX5 sounds a but more masculine and sporty lol

[@C.I...]

@@MrScotty5877304 Mazda didn't know that Americans don't appreciate feminine things until they did their market research for the MK4. Looks like they prefer being inside something masculine lol.

[@patreekotime4578]

@@MrScotty5877304 In the states we like our cars to have names. Too many cars with confusing number-letter combos and we get lost. RX7 MX5 M5 XJ12 what is this, an exam??? 🤣

[@MishraArtificer]

They've been turning them into replica Lotus 7s for decades (thanks for that, Ron Chapman!), but this thing is FAR more nuts...and I love it. It's seriously even crazier than what Flyin' Miata has been doing to them for years.

[@throwback19841]

@ATS599 yeah and finding people who want to be a passenger in an Exocet is hard enough so why bother with the second seat lol

[@50gary]

One example of perfection. Perfect in that it's truly affordable and truly doable for an average good mechanic. Nothing else feels like an open wheeled single seater. I approve.

[@mikadavies660]

Love the idea of a mundane MX5 looking so good, instead of just being an MOT failure and being scrapped.

[@Ukuleleal]

This is amazing. So glad there are people like Darren Collins in this world.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

What a fantastic idea! It's just a stroke of genius.... or rather several strokes. Starting with a car that would otherwise probably be scrapped is the icing on the cake. Hats off to Darren and his crew.

[@michaelschneider-]

@Gary James Edwards .. +1 Mensa to the power of ten.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

So very impressed with everything Mr Dowsett has done to design and build these cars 👍 Some aftermarket wishbones would look fantastic and lose even more weight 👍

[@michaelgillett5477]

Yes yes yes I work on the original stuff but I’m very tempted to have one of these for myself I can’t afford original stuff nice. Michael

[@isaactaylor-wilson8832]

I had the lovely pleasure of help build one of these tipo's on their stand at the NEC show at the start of the year, and had great conversations with Darren and Ant..think it's by far one of the best concepts for the industry

[@ch3no2uk99]

I saw this last year and yearn to have one... Before family I owned a supercharged mk1 MX5 which was a hoot. I adore watching pre war racing / Hill climbs and this appeals to me more than anything. I can't explain how much I want one and want to build one.

[@MishraArtificer]

Best part is? With this crowd...you don't need to explain.

[@arronlunn308]

Just love the idea of 4 or 5 of these in different colours/bodies driving through the peak district on a summer sunday

[@mrcaboosevg6089]

There's also the massive benefit of it basically being an MX5. You can buy ready to go turbo kits for pretty cheap and you'll have something that's absolutely rapid

[@666cemetaryslut]

A turbo would wouldn't make sense in this car at all, sorry.

[@harrisonmurphy2490]

@@666cemetaryslut Yeah I'm with you on that, even a supercharger would less ideal than ITBs and a racey NA motor in my opinion.

[@rogeriocosta1035]

Very well done! I would try to hide small LED headlights and turn signals inside the grill or make an external kit, that can be easily mounted and removed without tools, to make it more city friendly.

[@canucklehead0]

What a great thing!! I would love to have one of these as my weekend Summer driver and sure beats trying to write the cheque to a company like Pur Sang as fabulous as they are. This is a car I would actually use and not be too worried about scrapes and dings, where as I would be petrified taking the Pur Sang Monza out for a sprint. This is gorgeous, exotic and exciting all whilst hiding the wee little MX-5 beneath, it's absolutely brilliant!!

[@davemonday5381]

Fantastic. I really like the concept of classic looks and up to date performance brake’s and reliability. If that was a 1960s style replica race car. I’d be banging on his workshop door. Seeing that coming down the road would make me smile more than any super car. Just brilliant.

[@Sir-Prizse]

I drive a 2cd gen MX-5 NB and yes they rust like crazy and I also love pre war race cars like this Alfa Romeo Tipo 158 Alfetta. Great combination.

[@glennnel3570]

Brilliant car, brilliant idea, brilliant video - Um, just brilliant. Well done everyone. I have owned two examples of the first gen' MX-5 and they drive SO well. Small engine, BIG fun. As a mechanical donor, it just makes sense.

[@PazLeBon]

funnily enough ive never really got on with mine in a handling sense. If I get out of my 2.8 bmw and into the mazda i feel im gonna spin it at every roundabout

[@foesfly3047]

I think this kit car is brilliant. I would greatly prefer owning this reliable, efficient, easily maintained automobile than an original. And surely every measure of performance is better with the replica as well. Did we mention yet, all running gear maintenance and replacement parts are inexpensive and readily available.?. Great show today- awesome content.

[@bruhbbawallace]

i absolutely have to get one of these. i live in a very rural part of the US where most of the roads are akin to the nordschleife, i can hardly imagine how fun this would be.

[@stevedavies4299]

Jonny, great video, I know this car very well and seen the brilliant engineering and attention to detail these guys Have created and would recommend to anyone to build and own one. I’ve been around cars for 40 plus years And have a fair amount of knowledge. Another thing it’s probably the best wooden crated packaged vehicle out there. Oh I forgot that’s my Lister Le Mans in grey primer in the back ground . Keep it coming.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for watching. That Lister is 👌🏽

[@MishraArtificer]

I was wondering what that was...do you have any videos of it? Or plan to?

[@watchman-pu7tp]

One of the hallmarks of great engineering is simplicity. It's easy to just add complexity, either in a mechanism, or aesthetically. The most beautiful car designs that stand the test of time, such as the E-type Jaguar and the early 60's Ferraris have very simple, uncluttered designs, and the best of mechanisms, such as the shifter linkage on this car are beautiful for the same reason. The whole concept of taking an MX-5 / Miata and repurposing the drivetrain, suspension, and electricals is pure genius. This thing is just so cool. This car speaks to me, as an owner of both a Miata and a Lotus Exige, as the Lotus is a very simple car designed around a bulletproof Toyota drivetrain. Similarly to these guys, Lotus had a very limited engineering budget for the Elise and Exige, so they sourced the best of off the shelf components wherever they could, and spent their engineering budget where it mattered. The result was a supercar for the average man, at a small fraction of the cost of buying and maintaining a Ferrari. I bought my Miata as a beater car, but have grown to love it. It's a great car for the money, and I plan to turbo it and add a 6-speed and taller diff. to give it highway legs. I'd love to do one of these Tipo 184's, but supercharged, like my Exige. I figure about 225 HP would do nicely. The big question is whether or not you could make it street legal here in the US.

[@peterbradburn9115]

Such a fantastic idea! Love that it's a single donor car. Love that you can do it on a budget or sky's the limit it. Really doesn't seem like a "kit car", just a beautifully engineered way to reuse proven running gear. Absolutely love it

[@71Giggles]

You had a lovely drive around East Herts - Standon, Bishops Stortford and the slippery Barwick Ford. Great car

[@wadet73]

I would love to order a kit and build my own. Older Mazda MX5s (Miata) are plentiful in the US. Great show! 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Do it Wade, do it.

[@DiscoFang]

You're gonna need the LHD conversion version.

[@schlippery1]

I love it!!!! and believe it or not I thought about getting an old chassis from a sporty little car and rebuilding a body sporty and fun as this, about thirty years ago, but that was just a pipe dream, as I sailed about the oceans on an old boat... This is fantastic and I would love to build one of these YES, to answer your question... The car, the designer, the workshop, the video all smacks of CLASS!!!

[@Valentijnzz]

Amazing production quality johny. Big up to you and team

[@trevorrandall6989]

Yes, I would like to own one and yes, I would like to build one. The fact you couldn't take your friends out in it would be a huge bonus. Beautifully engineered.

[@henryhol8538]

I wonder if they would ever consider creating a two seater bodyshell that would clothe a similar chassis. It could be based on the shape of an early Lotus or Mercedes race car. I remember watching Ant's television programme during deepest covid, and have seen this car at the London Classics Car Show, the NEC Restoration Show and at last weeks Classics on the Common. It good to know more of the story behind the Tipo 184 and to meet Darren Collins!

[@chaycock65]

Have a look at the ANC Replicar, Aston Martin DBR1 inspired body taking the same approach with the mechanicals from a rusted MX5.

[@joeymacme]

What a fantastic project. It's really good that both students and modern technology were integral to the design process of a modern reimagining of a brilliant historic race car. It's always great to see such brilliant craft work too. As someone responsible for maintaining many historical buildings I know all too well the lack of upcoming skilled craftspeople. Thanks to Johnny's engaging style and his involvement of young people on this channel, hopefully more people will be inspired to get hands-on & stuck-in to some projects for themselves, and learn some great skills in the process.

[@PazLeBon]

we have to do it that way, no good apprenticeships under tories:)

[@cliqboom1088]

Great engineering to bring an old car back to life with all new styling. Love it.

[@kenreeve6549]

Having built Hot Rods and Customs all my adult life this is a breath of fresh air for the normal working man 10/10 Brilliant concept well done

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Ken ✊🏽

[@ATomRileyA]

Really impressed by this, would love to build one and with so many old rusty MX5's about makes sense. I can imagine that would be lots of fun to drive.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

What a brilliant idea. I love British engineering. I hope this guy becomes very successful coz he deserves it. Its a work of art

[@SimonH69]

Great video Johnny. Why have a Ferrari or Mclaren when you can have this.

[@mrcaboosevg6089]

I'd rather have a Ferrari or McLaren tbh, a Caterham is a more reasonable comparison to make

[@SimonH69]

@@mrcaboosevg6089 can only use 20% power of ferrari or Mclaren on UK roads. This you can you 80%.

[@mrcaboosevg6089]

@@SimonH69 That's like saying 'A 125 is better because you can use all of the power' despite the fact that it's quite obviously not better. This is a fun car sure but you can still use a Ferrari or McLaren as a car, you can roadtrip to any track in Europe in comfort and even fly down the autobahn at 200mph knowing you're perfectly safe... This however is more of a sunday driver gimmick

[@grahamwall9294]

Johnny, Your channel is better than any 5th Gear segment ever was, Well done mate, Really well done!👏

[@alancroft6536]

Very impressive! Agree with you that the super charger whine would give an even greater sense of noise and theatre. No it isn’t a maser 250f but then does that matter. I’d have one as a road car any day just to have fun in. Awesome bit of kit. Interesting to know if a straight six could be shoehorned in though just to improve on the sound maybe? Great review 👍🏻

[@jackwilliams5483]

I’ve never wanted to buy something so much in my life. Love the idea of making it a one of one by making it what I would want

[@daveredfern1775]

Amazing looking car, and something you really could build yourself. I watched the Ant Anstead series on it ant loved watching it come together. Pity it’s a single seater. Maybe it could be stretched a bit and a second seat put in like the two seat spitfire or F1 cars?? Love the show by the way, you put things in a really down to earth, mate down the pub way. You just say it how it is and I love that.

[@Ro32da72]

Ok, I'm really late to this one - how did I miss it? It is utterly beautiful. Concept, design, quality, execution - faultless. The gear linkage looks like the result of a real 'Eureka!' moment - love it. And the whole car just looks amazing - the roll hoop is quickly forgiven; I wouldn't want to drive one without it. £20k is bargainous - that's Fiesta or Corsa money, and I wouldn't get remotely excited about either of those. I don't know where you find them Jonny, but it amazes me the consistent quality content this channel puts out. Seriously good. 'I'm Jonny Smith; I forgot to do my shirt up.'

[@steverees1936]

What a great looking car and as for not being able to have any passengers, well that's fine by me, as it cuts out any small talk and enables me to hear that lovely exhaust note. I would love to see Darren come up with an AC Ace body design for this chassis as it would be a more affordable option to other kits out there. I also personally feel it looks more attractive in a less fussy way than the Cobra replica's out there, as well as more original.

[@MishraArtificer]

Everyone wants a Shelby Cobra replica with the monster 427s and shit for dragstrip duties, and all I want is a Cobra with a removable hardtop and a naturally-aspirated 302 for a good twisty-road flogging...

[@GeesDrive]

C'mon Halfords, get sponsoring Jonny. Can't beat the Halfords pro socket set 👍

[@chrismartin5870]

If this was Top Gear, every other word would have been slagging off kit cars and men in sheds....

[@stephenwhitworth7701]

Jonny "three or four weekends to assemble one" - nah why rush the process? I think the results achieved with this vehicle are awesome and if you have the chance to watch the assembly videos, particularly to see the well engineered solutions, you will will appreciate the time that has been taken to put this project into a confident self -build realm, and the value it offers for quite some time to come, is an incredible achievement. Thanks for sharing.

[@Chris-ww7fy]

I’ve always wanted an MX-5 but worried I’d be too big. This solves the height problem!

[@moorsyclimbing]

To be fair you can just pop the top down in an MX5 and it is much the same as this, in terms of squeezing you in!

[@uliwehner]

@@moorsyclimbing yeah but in a "real miata" you are tempted to use it to commute, in the rain. roof up, and anybody over 5'9 can't see out of the windshield to see the traffic lights. This is much better, no pretense that it is a "car". it is a toy.

[@thomashrubecky1663]

@@uliwehner Well… to be VERY clear, it’s a “grown-up’s” toy!

[@MrOvershoot]

I have a NB MX5 and after a year at 6'3", 191cm I decided I looked silly with my head above the windscreen. So I bought a Porsche 981 Boxster S, still have the MX5 but its the 1.8VVT with 6spd and LSD that won't fit this kit 😔

[@uliwehner]

@@MrOvershoot i can't even imagine. i am 5'11, and i was literally given a low mileage rust free miata, tried it for 2 weeks and gave it back..... couldn't see the traffic lights with the top on.

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

Always loved the Grand Prix and Indy roadster open wheel cars especially the pre-war Maserati Grand Prix/Indy car. And as a long time(30-years) NA Miata/MX5 owner With a lot of salvaged Miata parts, this falls right in line with my desire to build a classic open wheel car. But first I need to construct some tube headers to match the sound of the Dowsett Tipo 184 recreation for my daily driver MX-5. Thanks for the fun post and kudos to Ant and particularly Darren for this tangible nostalgic creation.

[@geoffblake2748]

I’ve always thought that I’d go for an Arial Atom when I pack up riding motorbikes but… this is a much better choice as far as I’m concerned.

[@benbirch2393]

Leave it out lol

[@stuartd9741]

Ariel Atom for me too. I can't say driving an AA is that far removed from a motorbike lol.

[@chrisbraid2907]

I’d prefer two seats so it’s either the Atom or the mx5, I’d love a 1600 NA … gotta be manual. My boy had a MR2 button shift but me and the wife are manual drivers … if she’s off the back of my 1981 GSX 1100 then into an MX5 she’d be really happy, I guess I could restore my ‘79 924 2 litre …

[@sameebah]

There's a chap who used to visit the car meets in Bristol with a similar shaped special he had built around Alfa 1750 mechanicals. I always enjoyed seeing that and having a chat with him.

[@felipealfredodeblasiramire7091]

Este coche es lo que siempre e pensado de los viejos diseños y es que son atemporales y esta gente a echo un gran trabajo poniendo en valor estos coches dotándolos de un montón de cosas modernas que no hacen más que acentuar lo grandioso de estos coches haciéndolos mucho más seguros y también más rápidos ,pero sobretodo haciendo que el espectáculo de las carreras sean más atractivos ,todo mi respeto y admiración para todos los que participaron en la realización de esta obra de arte

[@slicedbread9003]

Holy Cr@p! This is my dream car. The thing with me is I always dreamed that it would be made with Alfa bits. This made sense to me since there were so many Alfettas and GT that rusted badly. But they are hard to find nowadays. Using a MX-5 makes this work for more than me. I love the attention to detail on this. The spoked wheels with the knock off hub looks so right. I know it has been tweaked but done so masterfully. It sounds pretty good too, but I never heard the original. I would believe it sounds quite different. I cannot imagine anyone considering an electric version of this historic car. Great job to the team at Dowsetts.

[@stephencook754]

I absolutely love the idea, and no doubt it would be a riot to drive. I am having trouble getting over the proportions, particularly around the rear where the headrest extends way up there with the roll bar. It makes the rear tires/wheels look really small. It also looks like you are sitting up really high, as if on a throne.

[@lukewalker1051]

That was the intended look. The car of kings.

[@Nick_R_]

Brilliant. My father and I built a kit car. It was a bonding experience. I'd recommend servo brakes though!

[@Laz_Arus]

With our ludicrous nanny laws here in Australia, I couldn't imagine being able to register one. 😟 That's a real pity, because I would sell either my original NA or ND to help fund the building of one. 👍

[@Hvitserk67]

The British are lucky. Nor can I imagine that such a car would be able to be registered here in Denmark or in, for example, Norway. Our authorities follow German legislation through TÜF (Technischer Überwachungsverein), which is the Technical Inspection Association in Germany. These associations are independent companies that test, inspect, and certify technologies, products, and systems to ensure potential hazards and prevent damages.

[@callummclachlan4771]

Australian kit car rules are rather lax. This car even has simulated crash tests, something which isn't required for Australian kit cars. Granted you do need lights but there is a kit, plus I imagine you could make some that don't affect the lines. Same with mirrors. Emissions aren't a problem as we have some of the lowest requirements. If it's done properly, it should pass.

[@touringmoose]

@@callummclachlan4771 Emissions are based on the age of the engine. I had to get a dating certificate from Ford for my scratch build and then the emissions are based on what they were when the engine donor car was registered. Iirc the emissions were printed on the front of the log book when I got it.

[@JimiHendrix998]

Great fun. A four-wheeled Motorcycle!!! (I was under the impression that open wheels were not legal and they had to be fitted with mudguards--- Looks like that is not the case)

[@ShaunHensley]

I believe I saw some pictures of fenders definitely need fenders in California. Didn’t need fenders in Arizona when I lived there

[@tj37475]

Love it, I think this concept is so cool. The real thing is 'out-of-reach' for most of us, but the pre-war race car look of this is perfect and to have something this easy, this reliable and this cheap is brilliant. I love to 'buzz' around in something that is open wheel and street legal, awesome !!!!! 👍 The future EV option is smart business too, well done to you Darren.

[@jimbranch7312]

I watched him build this on TV. He is truly brilliant and this car should go over big.

[@benzinapaul7416]

How does it get round having no covers over the wheels, I thought all road cars had to have them? Shame they can't get the driver sit lower. Otherwise it looks great and well done to all involved

[@sunnybump]

Illegal in the UK to have open wheels, I think. They sell a kit for road use.

[@touringmoose]

@@sunnybumpLots of this would fail IVA. It's tough to get a car through it and it's not cheap. I think I paid £600 in 2014 and a retest is £100. I wonder where you stand if plod wants to be arsey about construction and use regs? Nice looking car though and guaranteed to be fun to drive.

[@poprin5194]

I was thinking exactly this, I can only assume they had special permission for the video. Which is a shame because I imagine the mud guards would completely ruin the look of the car.

[@spencerleeb]

Be cool to see this adapted to a 60's style F1 car like a version of the Scarbo SVF1. Also the exhaust really helps with the vintage feel, sounds much better then a standard Miata

[@joshdobson2737]

If you want to feel like sir Sterling Moss..... a supercharged one of these is probably the easiest and cheapest ways?!? The Nurburgring would be amazing

[@EduardoBianchi-t7d]

Beautiful… it was about time that someone showed up with the brains to build a fantastic machine, love it !!!

[@jumpferjoy1st]

A great idea and good luck to them. Looking at the car without the body, I noticed that the exhaust is prep'ed for a 6 cylinder engine. Would this take the Mazda 2.0 v6 or 2.5 v6, I wonder? Now this with a 2.5 V6 engine note, that would be good.

[@adrianbyron-parker5797]

Just for looks on the outside I guess 😞

[@realMaverickBuckley]

@@adrianbyron-parker5797 Its for both looks and noise. They take the the exhaust from 1 and 2 , 3 and 4 that's why it sounds like a pre war straight8 rather than a loud MX5 As far as a V engine, maybe, depends if you have the talent.

[@wfidrock]

@@realMaverickBuckley - not for noise, @jumpfer Joy - and not for a 6 cylinder (count again) - the exhaust is set up to 'emulate' the original straight 8 (8 cylinder) engine of the Alpha Tipo 158. Those 'extra' pipes are blocked off, hence they are 'fake' and contribute only looks, no sound...

[@RobWhittlestone]

Fantastic. Very desirable. Beautiful inspired engineering. Simple. Simply beautiful. I would love to build one. Imagine what you would learn on the way! All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@23gps]

Neat & inspiring design. Good onward use of the NB MX5's drive train which was a let down visually after the NA and I wouldn't feel any remorse in butchering a rusty NB. The roll bar detracts from the overall design though ( appreciate it has to be there) perhaps it would blend in better if painted black or body colour?

[@thomashrubecky1663]

Gotta paint it black. Body colour would just extend the height of the car.

[@rogerthat10-47]

In this "ThrowAway" world these guys have created something that gives the humble MX5 a second chance, & by the look of things it's taking off. This guy is incredibly fortunate as he gets to design an "Entire Car" instead of just one part, I have contracted to some World Class Companies & only designed 1 or 2 parts, with this he gets to do the whole thing & I think because of that he has got The Very Best out of his donor vehicle.

[@ole-martinlundefaret5876]

Oh… I should have not seen this. Already looking for a broken MX-5. Oh no.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

There's plenty in the UK!

[@ole-martinlundefaret5876]

@@TheLateBrakeShow I have put money aside for a Polaris RZR for my Rally School, but now my stomach is telling my brain that what I need in life is to tear up the local windy roads like Fangios gost! Here in Norway it would even be great on ice, with proper ice studs (GP racers were raced on ice in Scandinavia.) Thanks for making a great show, but this one I should not have watched. I have to take a cold shower…

[@robertwarnock5452]

Love it - been following these from when they started on them and would be one of the first things I order if my numbers come up!!! Had a brief chat with Darren at Goodwood FOS too - absolute top man!!!

[@johnnyslaphead3983]

There's no such thing as a daylight MOT - it's just an MOT with an advisory that says the lights couldn't be tested as they weren't fitted, therefore the vehicle can only be used in daylight hours. Pedantic I know, sorry. Surprised the open wheels are allowed on the road

[@wfidrock]

They sell a 'Road Going Kit' that adds the head / tail lights, fenders, marker lights, turn signals, etc.

[@acme_tnt8741]

I'm from the USA. What does MOT failure mean?

[@wfidrock]

@@acme_tnt8741 In other words it is like a car that failed a Safety Inspection here in the US (I am in TX), although that inspection is going to differ between states (and sometimes even counties, like here in TX). In the UK, unlike many US states (I believe) they are tough on the MOT inspection on items like rust, so a Miata with body rust in certain areas can fail an MOT, but still have decent drive train and suspension (front & rear subframe components, as are used in kit build). I myself just bought a used (running, road legal) 1999 Miata with 130K miles (no rust, TX) as my donor ($2K) and 'rebuilding' all the donor parts...

[@acme_tnt8741]

@@wfidrock I understand that. I was just trying to understand the meaning of the letters in the acronym "MOT". I feel bad for you having inspections in TX. I'm from Ohio and we have no yearly inspection. Rusted out cab corner and fender square body Chevy truck that I use periodically but no where near daily. A 2002 zo6 with hollow 3"stainless tubes from the headers back cat delete no muffler. I registered both again around early April. I handed the state cash. They handed me 2 stickers. Lol I'm looking at the paperwork now. It seems that I forgot to mention that my car is no longer white. Blue cat with a white title. If I ever get pulled oven if the cop even mentions the paint job I will be surprised. Which bothers me in a sort of way. I'm totally against government licensure and regulation, but if they are going to do that anyways. Might as well check the VIN. That has never happened to me and my cars have a habit of changing color. I wonder if these chassis would work with a 1995 325is. I have had one for a while now. Bad convertible top and it got hit by the forks on a forklift. 2.5 I6 with a 5 speed that runs excellent. No codes or lights either.

[@wfidrock]

@@acme_tnt8741 Oh, the letters stand for Ministry Of Transport (M.O.T.)

[@ChrisBWelch]

When I saw the thumbnail I thought, oh that's like the one Ant Anstead did! And then... Another brilliant film and a fascinating idea, I love it! Older cars being reborn is fantastic. I wonder if someone could make a classic 2 seater? Exciting times ahead!

[@skizzysmith1146]

good idea, how about a Mercedes Benz 300 SLR, like moss and Jenks won the Mille miglia in ?

[@jasondunn8313]

Love the concept! Think even I could tackle it as a project and love the idea of an old school supercharged version.

[@yuriykovalov2936]

This is awesome! Hopefully one day it becomes available in US.

[@davidhewson8605]

I have a car that Fangio drove !. Darren , great effort over many years. Beautiful machine. Thanks to you and presenter. Dave

[@marcjudge680]

Genius from Darren and Ant. Your final comments at the end of the video is exactly how I'm feeling. Yet you possible to swap a body. Massa 250 would be a dream come true. Genius design for everyone budget. Probably my favourite vid to date Jonny. Would love a straight six skyline internals. Supercharged MX 5 sounds a go. They even managed to make it sound 1950s. Epic 👍😁

[@mpicanza4491]

The ‘motorbike’ that I am not allowed to have anymore - this is absolutely perfect.

[@RemaL-2023]

Having built a Tiger Supercat in 2003-4 that I still own this is a great vid. And tempted. This is lovely

[@Marcy3]

I love my 1992 Miata, fun, light, capable of tons of smiles! Well done to make shear joy affordable to us gearheads!

[@gamernerd7139]

Darren is a modern day master craftsman in the tradition of the greats. These cars might appreciate better than you might imagine

[@noahman27]

The sound of the engine, transmission and exhaust...BRILLIANT

[@bryandickerson5365]

Re-using/up-cycling and vintage race cars - two of my favorite things combined in a beautiful way! I couldn’t help imaging a 1927 Delage 15S body, but we’d have to come up with a way to lower the driver. Aaarrgh, now my brain’s gonna be stuck figuring that out for the next week! Thanks Johnny!

[@TestarossaF110]

This stuff makes my whole body feel things it has never done before, I love it sooo sooo much!!!! I wish I could build one with my dad.

[@Loki7430]

Love it, I was sat thinking what I would tweak and what colours I’d have. Surely the sign of desire? I know the roll cage makes the proportions a little off but sure worth it to keep your head on your shoulders.

[@TheAssassinPanda]

This is exactly the kind content I love from the channel. That car looks beautiful

[@cannygrowabeard]

This is gorgeous, I'd love to have a go at building my own. Have always fancied a Caterham but this feels a bit more special.