QOTD: What Aftermarket Appearance Part Can You Get Away With?

So, yesterday afternoon TTAC author and moderator Corey Lewis decided to scorch our retinas by posting a photo of a very unique Mazda Miata on Slack. A very bad Miata, too.

The image originated from quaint Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, a northern bedroom community of Montreal. In it (photo rights require us to paint you a grim picture), the red NA Miata sported a laundry list of aftermarket add-ons — accessories the owner no doubt felt made his or her Miata the gosh darn hottest Miata around. Like New York’s hottest club, this thing had it all. Fender skirts. Chrome luggage rack. Chrome wheel arch trim. Oh, and a completely nonfunctional continental kit, as all continental kits are these days.

It was a crime against Miatas.

Which leads to the question: what non-factory add-on isn’t a crime?

Once upon a time, buyers could check a box and have their Detroit iron roll out of the factory with a tastefully concealed spare tire slung over the rear bumper. Rear fender skirts were sometimes part of the deal. The list of made-to-order accessories was long, and Americans liked it that way

Not so anymore. Generally, if you’re looking to jazz up your ride (be it new or used), the aftermarket world is your friend. However, it’s very often not your car’s friend.

We’ve all seen that late-90s Crown Vic with a wing. The Accord sporting cheap Altezza-style taillights. The Camry with the non-functional hood scoop. The Civic with… well, you name it. Flimsy body kits for everyone! Unfortunately, inherently pure vehicles like the Miata are often sullied with such bolt-on debris, turning their owners into casually loathed pariahs (at least among respectable people).

Still, not every appearance accessory deserves such scorn. It’s possible to keep your dignity and sense of taste intact while still endowing your preferred ride with a unique styling touch. Does a Miata rear deck cover fit this bill? Light bar on a Ram pickup? Let the jury convene.

Sound off in the comments, Best and Brightest. What can an owner of a new or classic car get away with? While we’re on the subject, what vehicular add-on is simply unforgivable?

[Image: hstowe/ Bigstock]