Miata fastback!

If we're going to dream, here's the treatment that I'd like to do on my Miata:

From CARS

^OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

MS Paint, Audi TT roof on a Miata.

Aerodynamically, I'd think that black one would flow beter than either a factory hardtop, or the BMW style treatment.

I like the idea of having enough storage room for a real road trip, and being able to move the rollbar back a bit for headroom.

Looks nice!

That design would result in a hatchback, no spare tire would allow for groceries.

STOP posting such tasty pictures of various 'fastback' Miaters!

I have spent the past week on a mental project of Miata fastback, but want to start another Datsun Roadster project first. I have seen one fastback top for the old Datsun, but it was a bit ungainly (some similar lines to the autoconexion one.)

Sooooo, without the navel gazing as some new posters have us viewing with crazy 'what if?' projects, how about a Miata fastback project with a cap of $4k (maybe up to $5k, but I like to shoot low and not be too surprised as the 'reality monster' sets in).

Needs

Running donor car - only one stall for project.
Pocket-style flares Aftermarket suspension/sways/struts LSD Fastback top Rollbar Wheels/Tires (can be rotas/XXR's cheapies)

Whadda ya think? Sounds like a bit much for only $4k, but you are the GRM-types.

Enjoy the diversion, Eric G

You guys are killing me. About a month ago while cranked on coffee traversing the interstates, my mind wandered and convinced me "hey, that's a great idea". Oh boy. I'm planning on reviving the former Challenge Miata as a coupe for this year's (hopefully) Challenge, flairs included. This thread only enhances the need.

I have found the perfect roof-line to graft into the car and whole donors can be had for $500. The Escort ZX2. The dimensions of various aspects including the invisible B-pillar are nearly spot on.

I'll make it fit.

Kevin, definitely post a link to a build thread. I love following your builds!

I can't direct link to them, but there are more pics of a fastback Miata in this thread

Keith wrote: I never liked the semi-production coupe (Japan only, 2003 or so) as much as that one-off. More pictures of various Miata coupes here.

I also see a lot of Escort ZX2 in this design. Seems like a perfect donor to make a real, structural top.

Eric

I think you could use the rear window from the ZX2, but I don't think the top shape is right for the Miata. A profile comparison would be interesting. Let's see what Photoshop can do.

There is a length issue between the door end and the base of the roof.

Hmm. It's tough to match the scale, but I think I got it. I don't know how graceful it would be from other angles but it might work. You'd have a real letterbox for a trunk opening, as it looks more like a fastback than a coupe. It's got that slightly hunched BMW M Coupe look too for kreb

Obviously a quick and dirty 'shop job. I tried an NA as well, I think the NB looked a bit better.

Based on wheelbase (98.4 vs 89.2), the ZX2 is considerably larger when you overlay the cars. The NB sketch is fiction, the roof is waaay too long. The trunk lid height is higher as well.

Back to the Audi TT inspired miscreant

From CARS

I think you would be kind of stuck making the B-pillar match the glass frame, since the window up and down is based on the door. So if one was careful, you could move the entire top forward a few in, and still make it work. But that would be a real top as opposed to the glass top.

In all manners, one will have to chop and channel the top. You just have to be creative enough to keep it looking good. By chopping and channelling well, you can move the rear glass forward enough to 1) make the trunk lid useable, and 2) to be a little more graceful.

Really, need Andy to get out here- considering how he made a bug look like a killer hot rod.

All in all, it's a REALLY good photo shop concept!

Eric

John Brown wrote: From CARS

Dead ringer for a TT. I always thought they looked like squashed Bugs.

I looked at both a Miata and ZX2 at lunch time. The ZX2 is considerably larger and importantly wider. I don't know if even the rear window would work. I love the idea though.

Dead ringer? Really?

Keith wrote: Dead ringer? Really?

I've never liked the TT, so I never really give it a lot of credit.....

E-

looks more like a panamerica to me