Highlights
- £40,000 build by the vendor over six years
- Only 8,330 miles since completion
- Unique 'heather' colour reportedly not used on any other vehicle
- Well appointed car with burr walnut dash and leather seats
- Brand new 4.6L Rover V8 with less than 3,000 miles
- Garage-stored for its entire life with very few wet miles
- MOT valid to May 2026
The Appeal
Sebring’s approach to the business of kit car building sets it apart from mere copy cats. The MX takes the profile and ethos of the Austin Healey 3000 and runs with it, delivering a wider, more comfortable and planted car with modern handling and reliability.
The vendor bought this car as a kit in 1993 and completed it in 1999. The original V8 engine was replaced 3,000 miles ago by what he tells us was a brand new Rover 4.6L V8 that JE Developments built. It has been dyno tested at 232bhp.
Beyond the impressive dynamics, the aesthetics are a key draw on this car. It is painted in a bespoke ‘heather’ metallic colour that we are told has never been used on another car. Inside there are MX5 seats retrimmed in quality leather and facing a lovely burr walnut dashboard. Blue carpets plus matching fabric roof and hood bag complete the sense of a kit project executed to high standards. The vendor has modified the MX kit to accommodate a larger boot for touring.
The car has been little used in recent years but comes with the benefit of a lengthy MOT to May 2026. It was last serviced in May 2025 when it also received a new battery. The history file can be checked in the photos. For those who love the classic look but value modern conveniences like a decent heater and electric windows, this MX looks very compelling.
The vendor says:
“Great fun to drive, extremely responsive but you need to treat it with respect: does just below 100 mph in second gear.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 19th April 1999
- Vendor began build in 1993
- Correct registered as a Sebring with DVLA
- Carries a Sebring VIN number
- Single registered keeper
- Has been garage-kept throughout its life
- Always maintained on trickle charge
- Only covered 130 miles in the last 6 years
- Total build cost was close to £40,000 we are told
- Original V8 engine replaced with a 4.6L Rover V8 three years after registration
- Replacement engine has only done 3,000 miles we are told
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Covercraft cover included
- Only used in dry weather
- VIN number MX2DW1A0026
- MOT to 18th May 2026 with minor advisories to note
The Condition
- Finished in a unique 'heather' colour not used on any production vehicle says seller
- Paintwork presents well in photos, benefiting from limited use over car’s life
- MX fibreglass body epoxy bonded to chassis just like an Elise
- Body modified with added sills and engine compartment vents
- Appears in smart condition for its age with only a few small marks
- Vendor had modified boot to allow more space
- Boot closes but doesn't lock we are told
- Navy blue fabric hood with matching hood bag in very good order as shown
- Performance Australian Superlight-style alloys present well as shown
- Yokohama AVS tyres appear in very good condition
- Space saver ‘get you home’ tyre included
- Chrome bumpers and matching roll hoop
- Interior features mid-grey MX5 leather seats with navy carpeting
- Cabin presents well with only slight age to note to some surfaces
- Dashboard finished in burr walnut with light age to trim as shown
- Fitted with an alarm system
- JVC radio cassette
- Electric windows and decent heater fitted
- Blue carpets in good order as shown in photos
- No structural advisories on MOT
The Mechanics
- 4.6L Rover V8 engine
- Twin SU carburettors
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Less than 3,000 miles on the engine
- Engine built by JE Developments
- Power output of 232 bhp
- Uprated with front ventilated discs
- Starts easily with manual choke we are told
- Runs smoothly when up to temperature (no thermostat)
- The most recent mini service was in May 2025 at the time of the MOT
- New battery was fitted in May 2025
- Minor advisories to note on MOT
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