So, I decided to buy a luggage rack for the ND. Did my usual of searching the internet and then buying without checking for any reviews. I went for a chrome, removable rack from MX5 ND (15 ON).
When I got it at initial glance the quality is good and fitted no problems until I came to tighten 2 x leading edge brackets. The problem is that the lugs on the rack have been welded into position in line with the rack, and not in line with the curvature of the boot. So, when I tightened the brackets they twisted and marked the paintwork (picture attached). Needless to say I’ve gone back to Classic Accessories and wating to hear what they have to say. The 4 x side brackets fitted fine, no twisting and plenty of space between them and the paintwork.
All that said, I am keeping the rack, as have a workaround. I’m not fitting the leading edge brackets, but will use luggage straps to secure any luggage and also loop the straps through the boot to provide the functionality for those brackets which are “designed to prevent backslip at high speeds”.
Err - you do realise that the rack is fitted the wrong way around?
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This was my first thought too, however not according to the link provided by John 
Indeed - how very strange!
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I did put it the other way around initially, but quickly realised that rack sides are shaped to align with the sides of the boot lid, so the brackets wouldn’t fit. And it also meant that the leading-edge lugs were at the back. So, it’s the only way it can be fitted. Makes sense to me to have the upright at the back. Stops the luggage sliding backwards.
You can see the rack to boot shape better on the website’s stock photos > > > >
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Looking at your photos it appears that the boot lid skin is being distorted below the rack “feet”. I suspect the lid skin will flex back to shape now but my thoughts are will a full load on the rack and the movement of the car do permanent damage to the boot lid skin?
Thanks for pointing this out. I had a close look and can’t see any distortion, although the photo does look like there is. I’ve reduced the tension on the clamps a little bit, the suction pads are still very secure. And when I’ve got luggage on it with the straps through the boot, the rack will be even more secure. Keeping the spanners with me though 
I modified a motorcycle luggage rack and use it on my NC PRHT.( I can use the electric roof with luggage on the rack). My rack also causes boot lid distortion because the boot lid skin does not sit down on the internal boot lid frame. To spread the load I have pushed a couple of wheel barrow wheel inner tubes in between the underside of the boot lid and the frame which I can inflate slightly to transfer some of the load . Even then I also avoid putting too much weight on the rack.
My understanding is that the upright is there to protect the passengers - it the event of an accident, it should stop the luggage from entering the cabin.
In normal use, the luggage should be sufficiently tightly secured to the rack to prevent it sliding backwards.
Seems to be the same with the ND, that the boot lid skin doesn’t sit on the frame. The skin does seem quite flexible, but it doesn’t look like that is any noticeable distortion. Will give it a few days on the car and then take off to take a closer look.
And I’m only putting 5.5Kg on the rack, so not much weight at all.
I wouldn’t have thought that the upright would actually do much in the event of an accident. Guess that all depends on the severity of the accident. I would also hope that the seat back cross member assembly would provide better protection for the occupants than the luggage rack upright.
And the straps will be securing the rack to the boot lid and then same straps securing the luggage. So, should be pretty secure.
