***** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT N insurance loss in 07/2016 *****
Highlights
- Replication of 1950s Le Mans car
- Based on a 2002 Mazda MX-5 Mk 2
- Thousands of hours invested over seven years
- Completely unique single seater
- Numerous replacement parts
The Appeal
Every car has a back story, but few are as remarkable as the vehicle you see here. After a Mark 2 Mazda MX-5 was damaged in a low-speed car park incident, it was acquired by the current owner with an outlandish plan to turn it into a replica of a 1950s Le Mans racing car. And although it took seven years and around three thousand hours, the vehicle you see here does indeed bear a striking resemblance to the Jaguar D-Type which won three successive Le Mans races in the mid-Fifties, not least in terms of its faithful proportions and dimensions.
The programme of works required to achieve this Herculean feat would run to many paragraphs. Key aesthetic components involved the removal of the MX-5 body and the creation of a marine ply skeleton supporting an unpainted aluminium skin and a wraparound polycarbonate windscreen. The passenger seat was removed, while the driver’s seat has been recovered in beige leather with a matching gearlever and handbrake gaiter. A four-point harness has been added, and the original roll-over bar remains in situ. The underside of the car has been sealed with Waxoyl, while the aluminium bodywork has been coated and given rust protection.
At the same time, the car’s mechanicals have been almost totally overhauled, using Mazda-supplied items where possible. A concise summary would encompass the fuel pump, all suspension parts, track rod ends, all brake discs/pads/ABS sensors, every clutch component, the water pump, cam belt and cam chain tensioners. New wheels and tyres were added alongside a replacement battery, radiator, fuel hoses, lights, spark plugs and leads.
While much of this work has been carried out at a Mazda workshop, it’s doubtful any MX-5-based vehicle has ever sported such an outlandish appearance, or managed to turn as many heads. According to the current owner, “every drive, without exception, has generated great interest, many 'thumbs up's and genuine smiles.”
The History and Paperwork
- MOT valid until December 2025
- Extensive invoices going back to 2019
- Original MX-5 owner’s manual and wallet
- Original car Cat D (N) after 5mph impact
- Seven-year, 3,000-hour project
The Condition
- Single seater with four-point Willans harness
- Period Smiths stopwatch and timer fitted
- Original stickers still in bonnet
- Supplied with two keys
- Surface rust conversion and Waxoyl undersealing
The Mechanics
- 1,598cc DOHC 16-valve engine
- Five-speed manual gearbx
- Numerous components replaced
- Power steering system removed
- All new suspension and clutch
- New water pump, belt and cam chain tensioners
- Car reported to be 100 per cent reliable
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
