Highlights
- Rare MEV Replicar inspired by the iconic Aston Martin DBR1
- Finished in Aston Martin Racing Green with a striking yellow grille
- Comprehensive conversion with a focus on 1950s period details
- Reliable MX-5 running gear with very light structure
- Only 1,000 miles since completion
- MOT valid until July 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
We can only imagine the mood in Enzo Ferrari’s office when the results of the 1959 Le Mans 24 hrs race rolled in. Maranello’s hegemony was over because Aston Martin had named outright first and second.
It was a remarkable turnaround for the tiny Newport Pagnell outfit. The DBR1 remains the firm’s most successful racer, its sleek, Ted Cutting-penned lines now part of motoring iconography.
Just five were built and the last one changed hands in 2017 for $22.5m. So if you want one you’ll need deep pockets and considerable patience. Step forward MEV Replicar and its evocative DBR1 recreation. These carefully wrought cars are a chance to channel some of that Mulsanne-pummelling style without the wait. Or the money.
They are still rare, particularly ones as good as this example. It stands out for the level of detailing, beginning with the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork. Inside you’ll find switchgear and dials that evoke the 1950s originals.
Beneath the sculptural fibreglass lines lies robust and reliable MX-5 mechanicals. That is good news because it imbues the MEV with nimble handling and decent performance from the 1.8L motor.
This car has covered less than 1,000 miles since completion. It is in very good order and comes to market with the reassurance of MOT to July 2025. Classics are rarely as interesting, rare and unusual as this one.
The vendor writes:
“The drive of the car is difficult to explain in words. It is a sensory overload. There is no roof and no doors, so the drama begins before you even turn the key! You sink into the gorgeous and very comfortable custom seats, clip in the harness and fire up the engine. The exhaust is loud, very loud - this was intentional to get some more character from the 1.8 four pot. The Mazda MX-5 was a great driver’s car out of the box, but when you remove 400-500 KG of weight and lower the car on stiffer springs you create a whole different animal. It is now much quicker, more responsive, better handling than any standard MX-5. The exhaust barks and howls as you accelerate towards redline. If you are quick with the gear changes you will get a little 'chirp' from the rear Goodyears. It is exciting and thrilling and, probably, like nothing else you have ever been in.
“This car was built to look fast standing still. You will always get admiring glances, little waves and jaw-dropping stares from children walking on the pavement. No matter where you are or no matter what other cars are nearby, this car will always get the most attention. It is also an easy car to drive and to service and maintain. All of the parts can be sourced off the shelf and everything is reasonably priced. Imagine all of the looks and drama of a classic British sports car, but with modern Japanese reliability.”
History and Paperwork
- Donor vehicle first registered 12th July 1999
- Registered with DVLA as a MEV Replicar
- Seven registered keepers
- Current keeper since May 2019
- We are told that the car took seven years to build
- Vendor tells us that there is some history available prior to the conversion
- Some paperwork was damaged in a recent house flood
- Paperwork for the conversion process survived and is included
- MOT valid until July 2025 with no advisories
- 983 miles on current MOT and vendor advises it now shows 1,000 miles
- Odometer was replaced during renovation work
- Donor vehicle engine had covered 122,000 miles when converted
The Condition
- Used the well regarded MEV Replicar DBR1 kit
- Built over seven years with only 1,000 miles covered since completion
- Fibreglass bodywork sprayed in genuine Aston Martin Racing Green with yellow grille surround
- Paintwork presents very well with only minor stone chips and scratches to note
- Space frame chassis and suspension components sandblasted and resprayed
- Interior features chocolate brown vinyl seats and red harnesses
- Aluminium floors with custom wooden 'duck boards'
- Period-style switches and gauges
- Moto Lita supplied the wheel for the original DBR1 and this car has a Moto Lita wheel
- Odometer replaced with a GPS unit with mileage discrepancy explained above
- Vehicle naturally has no roof
- Fitted with Dunlop tyres and racing-style steels similar to the original car’s wheels
- No reported electrical or switchgear faults
- No dashboard warning lights advised
The Mechanics
- 1,840cc Mazda 4cyl engine
- 5spd manual gearbox from Mazda MX5
- MX5 running gear including suspension with modifications as noted
- Donor engine from a Mazda MX5, with approximately 122,000 miles covered
- Equipped with drilled and grooved discs and new calipers
- Gaz Gold Pro suspension for lower stance
- Cone filter fitted
- Only 1,000 miles since completion
- No reported running or driving issues
- No advisories on last MOT
- Mazda MX5 ABS system removed
BEFORE YOU BUY
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