I’ll probably get a lot of flak here for saying this, but the second-generation Mazda MX-5 – or better known as the NB for enthusiasts – isn’t a very attractive car. Although, I am fairly certain that I’m not the only one who thinks so, because the popular ones on the internet are always the first-generation models.
We still think it’s a great car, mind you, but if you have one of these and want to make it a little more special, Tipo 184 is now selling a kit to convert the Japanese roadster into a 1930s race car. More specifically, the Alfa Romeo 158 – one of the most successful Grand Prix (and Formula 1) cars ever produced.
Created by British car builder and TV personality Ant Anstead, where he also built an Alfa Romeo 158 tribute on his show Master Mechanic, the kit consists of the entire space frame chassis, body panels, replica seats, as well as the replica steering wheel and instrument panel. The details on the Tipo 184 look immaculate – and if anything, probably just slightly off in scale!
The Tipo 184 conversion kit even comes with a replica exhaust with four functional pipes and four fake ones, to simulate the look of the original 158’s supercharged inline-eight engine! From the photos, it seems like the kit will also come with a Wilwood brake kit, complete with a housing to make it look like the drum-brake system from the original race car.
If you’re wondering why the kit is called the 184, here’s a cool little trivia: The Alfa Romeo 158 was called that in reference to the 1.5-litre engine, and eight cylinders. With the Mazda MX-5’s 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder mill, it’s only appropriate to call it the 184, don’t you think?
For now, only 10 of these kits are being made available as part of a pre-launch offer. They’re priced at GBP7,499 + VAT each (~RM41k), but you’ll get the opportunity to spend a weekend in their workshop, building the car with Ant’s guidance!
