A while ago I came across a cool looking little 50's inspired fiberglass body that was being made in England. I was going to build a space frame for Miata parts to bolt into and then cover it with the English body. I ordered the body but was very disappointed when it arrived. It was of very poor quality. I could have fixed it but decided against it as I didn't want to do anything to promote the English company. (The company has been sold. Hopefully the new owner will put out a better product.)
So, I decided to strip my Miata to the tub and cut away as much as possible. I tried to make a body from scratch. But I couldn't get the look I wanted while retaining the Miata's hard points. I like a low cowl, and the longer hood, rear cockpit look of the 50's sports racers.
For the 3rd attempt I decided to go back to building my own frame. I am in the process of fabricating it. The Miata cradles bolt in. I set the wheelbase at 95 inches. (The Miata wheel base is 89.2 inches.) Then I moved the engine further rearward. My goal is 54% rear weight. The 3 pictures are of the frame under construction. It is not done. But, I'm getting close.
I purchased a 1958 Devin inspired body. I am modifying it to fit the Miata's width and to my tastes. I'm using a Porsche 356 windshield. The hood will be full tilt for easy access. My son John is in the car. He is 6'2" tall.
The full fiberglass body is going to take some time to shape, make the plug, make molds and to lay up final parts. In the mean
time I am making a simple body out of colored aluminum sheets. This will let me AutoX it and do some track days. With the addition of lights, windshield, and cycle fenders it would be street legal. Having fun.