NAIAS Tidbits: Mazda MX-5 Spyder
by
Jack Baruth
Published: January 10th, 2012
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Here’s another SEMA refugee: the Mazda MX-5 “Spyder”. The current Miata’s choice of normal fabric roof or what-the-f***-are-you-thinking power retractable hardtop is neatly avoided in favor of the kind of stretchy, do-it-yourself job that ensures Porsche 911 “Speedster” owners never actually drive their cars anywhere.
We’ve seen a better Miata Spyder, though… click the jump for a blast into the wacky kit-car past.
This is the Simpson Design Italia. In the metal, it’s a very pretty combination of first-gen Miata and NART Spyder. Simpson makes a variety of Miata kits. Check it. Which leads to the question: If a guy in a shed can make the Miata pretty, why can’t Mazda do it?
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Miata kits are for people who like kits, or who are more interested in making their Miatas look like something different or something more expensive, which often makes the cars look cheaper and kills their resale. Nonetheless, if a kit trips your trigger, go for it. Likewise, the power hardtop is for people who want a power hardtop. People who want a new Miata without a power hardtop still have that option. I encourage people who don't want a Miata, a kit, a convertible or a power hardtop to pursue their automotive dreams through other, more accomodating venues. I wish I could carry my Co-Motion tandem in the trunk of my 1996 Miata, but I'd have a hard time saying Mazda made a mistake by designing the car the way they did. After all, carrying a tandem is the reason Ford still makes my Ranger. Err...
Miata never was as "competent" as a Boxster, but then, it never claimed to be. It is as simple fun as you can get while remaining affordable and roadworthy (safety regs, reliability etc). The PRHT is a convenience option. It's not as Bad as having a slushbox in a Miata (heaven forfend), only because it doesn't take much away from the fun factor. But then it is added complexity and weight, and that is against what an MX-5 stands for. So it is a Mild Transgression, and can be forgiven on a case-by-case basis.. The spyder is also another transgression: an MX-5 should also be simple. And there can be nothing simple about pitching that Bedouin tent, especially when you already have a soft-top that can be flipped back in two seconds flat.