Westfield Recycles Old MX-5 Miatas into New Kit Cars

When it was launched back in 1989, Mazdas MX-5 revolutionized the sports car industry by providing a modernized version of the classic 60s British sports car. Now in its fourth generation, the MX-5 has been around for quite some time, and, unfortunately, those first models have gotten quite old and are now facing body and structural problems. Rather than sending these modern-day MGs to the scrap heap, British kit-car maker Westfield has come up with a very clever solution.

Westfield is well-known throughout England and Europe as the purveyor of fine kit-cars. Like Caterham, and dozens of other small firms, their business is in producing modernized versions of the Lotus 7, a minimalist, but thrilling open sports car from the 1960s. Though Westfield makes do-it-yourself assembly kits, they also make factory-built turn-key models for those who dont have the time or patience to assemble their own cars. Over the years, Westfield has come up with some interesting combinations, including cars powered by Suzuki superbikes, Rovers and Fords. Their current top of the line model is the 2000S, which is powered by a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine that makes 250 horsepower, giving the car a 495 hp/ton power to weight ratio, which is better than most top-end Ferraris!

Back to the matter at hand; Westfields most recent creation is essentially one of its Lotus 7-style sports cars, but rather than sourcing expensive new parts to underpin the new frame and bodywork, it uses first generation (1989-1995) Mazda MX-5 components. This isnt the first time that Westfield has used mechanical components off of old cars; their first attempt was with the European-market rear-wheel drive Ford Sierra. For its second attempt, Westfield chose to base its latest car off of the first MX-5 due to the longevity of the cars production, ease of finding parts, and general powertrain durability. And why not give the components of an old, two-seat open-top convertible a new life? 

Most of the components from a given MX-5 donor car are used in the conversion kit car. The engine and gearbox assemblies can be carried over without change, as can the rear differential, the braking system, components from the front and rear suspension, and most of the electronics and the complete wiring harness. A significant amount of ancillary items, such as the horn, side-mounted turn signals, mirrors, windshield washer system, and even the wheels and tires can be directly carried over. The kit that Westfield provides includes the bodywork, the tubular chassis, the windshield, interior and other custom components required for a 7-style sports car.

Initially, Westfield will launch the Mazda-powered roadster in its home market in the UK, however, once the market has been established, the brand is prepared to export this particular kit. Several markets have expressed interest, in particular Australia and, surprisingly America. This model will eventually hit the U.S. market through Westfields North American distributor, Manik Technologies, hopefully bringing back the idea of the DIY kit car. Pricing for the kit is rumored to be around the £6,000 mark (equal to $11,300 USD), without the donor MX-5 components, though, local market pricing is expected to change.