Description
Based on a 2002, 1. 6 litre Mazda MX-5 Mk 2 (NB), the outer skin has been removed and replaced by a marine ply skeleton supporting an aluminium skin (unpainted). The windscreen is Lexan polycarbonate. A 4-point Willans harness has been fitted and the original driver’s side roll over bar has been retained. A CTEK battery charger has been installed.
The Mazda’s track and wheelbase are almost the same as the 1950s Le Mans racing car, so the proportions are faithful to that original vehicle.
Both the DVLA and the DVSA were approached and have approved the conversion. Note that the V5 Registration document (log book) has been amended to reflect the single seat only. The vehicle has had 4 former keepers. The MOT certificate is valid until 13 December 2025 (no Advisories), a new certificate can be issued if required. The engine starts well and runs very smoothly. The car drives, stops and handles really well. All systems work as they should, there are no warning lights on the dashboard.
A full strip down, refurbishment and underbody protection was carried out including: surface rust conversion, Hammerite coating and Waxoyl undersealing. Many components were replaced with new, Mazda-supplied items including: front and rear sub frames, fuel pump, all suspension parts (including poly bushes), track rod ends, rear brake calipers, all brake discs and pads, all ABS sensors, all clutch parts, water pump, belt, cam chain tensioners, crankcase breather (PCV) valve, crank position sensor, anti-knock sensor, gaskets and filters (oil and fuel).
Also replaced with new items were: wheels and tyres, battery, radiator, rigid brake pipes, fuel hoses, stainless steel flexible brake and clutch hoses, horn, all lights, brake fluid, spark plugs and leads, engine and gearbox oils and anti-freeze. The front calipers plus starter motor were refurbished and the power steering system was removed. 4 wheel camber, castor and tracking alignment adjustment, fuel injection system cleaning and overall health checks were carried out at a Mazda workshop.
Following a slow speed (5mph) car park impact in which the front offside wing sustained some damage and a broken anti-roll bar drop link, the vehicle was deemed a Cat D (N) write-off. I obtained the vehicle with the aim of recreating the looks of an iconic 1950’s Le Mans winning racer.
The project is now finished and has proven to be 100% reliable and usable. It took approximately 3, 000 hours spread over 7 years to complete.
Every drive, without exception, has generated great interest, many 'thumbs up', photo request and the biggest, most genuine smiles!
