Like a number of owners I’ve always looked longingly at the NB coupes that were produced in limited numbers in the early 2000’s. There seem to have been a number of companies making fastbacks over the years but in very small numbers.
After some research it appears that the boot section can be an issue with some of the kits having a hand-removable boot that you physically take off and lay on the ground when you open the boot. Also lots of stories of fit & finish issues which I guess you’ll get when you loose the factory seal around the edge of the bodywork/hood edge.
Then there’s the Italia roofs which I’m guessing are available as part of the entire kit, but look very well executed:
This one uses buttresses rather than going over the boot so should in theory be a lot stiffer.
Another Simpson Design one, but this time with full fastback boot, but obviously bonded in for more strength I guess
And a third Simpson hardtop, that retains a flat boot
I will add more information on other fastback hardtops as/when I find it but please feel free to contribute.
(all photos found on the web and property of their respective owners)
You got $5000 to buy one (a couple thou to ship), that’s what they cost. I’m not sure they actually sold any in the 10+ years since they were launched.
If you were to reprouce one, the question is what glass would be used. If a “flat” glass (or maybe its gently concave), what would be the donor? Presumably someone would want a demister, which limits sources that can be diamond cut to fit. Maybe something from a pickup truckman top.
Very true! in reality getting anything over this big from another country is going to cost a small fortune to ship & taxes as you say. Whilst the Garage Vary one looks good I can’t help thinking that’s because it’s different from what we know. If you’d never seen an MX5 hardtop before and you put an OEM Mazda hardtop + the Garage Vary one side by side, I suspect it would be a 50/50 choice.
A 1990-91 Mazda Japan study, some serious work into looking at different side window treatments, using a cut up Canadian spec car. It used the rear glass from a MX3.
The M2-1008; got very close to production, with its Kamm tail, but canceled due to the Japanese recession of the mid-90s. This is a recreation Mazda put together of the original prototype that they use in the mocked up brochures.
Thanks, there’s some great posts here - the factory NB is one of the best lookers I personally think. So far it seems that the targa fastback is the only one that still is available to buy.
That’s going to be £45,000 landed, and its had a repaint…
Type E variant (E Type, geddit?). 2.98 million yen, so about £19000 to buy in Japan. I estimate £30000 landed (based on guessimate FOB/local agent charges). Factory body kit.
That Hong Kong red car. Its also here, from 2019, or at least the same photos.
These are retail prices; when they go through auction, they’ll be a bit less. A rare variant, but there is always one or two for sale at any one time. Is it THE Roadster variant to collect? No so sure. Rarity does not guarantee value. The M2-1002, only 100 made, seems to be cheaper than the M2-1001 (300 made), an sometimes the values can be eclipsed by ultra low miles standard cars. Then there are the Mada resto cars, both theMadaspeed NAs from 2004 and the current in house restorations. These will comman a premium
Lightyear Carbon Fibre
