But without the TVR price of ownership and the TVR, uh, shall we say, quirks, here is the answer. And it also happens to be The Answer.
Widow Sports Cars in England is now making a kit to restyle your Miata like a Tuscan/Sagaris hybrid. Definitely interesting. Jam some sticky tires and a V8 on it and throw one of those crazy prismacolor paint jobs that TVR had and enjoy.
Discuss.
I like it.
Oh yes, this I like. The kit is $7k, just an extensive body kit.
The mini Tuscan front end and wide front fenders work particularly well. I just wish that the roof bubble was only on 1 side, like the Sagaris.
Gonna have to do an LS swap if you want it to perform like a TVR.
In reply to bravenrace:
It'd probably beat a TVR in a race 9 times out of 10, simple because the TVR would break.
Somebody made a TVR Sagaris with a 750hp Lingenfelter LS9 in it. I'm sure it's terrifying.
In reply to NickD:
Having owned two of them, I can say that while the build quality is lacking, they aren't any less reliable than any other British car.
BTW, they don't need Lingenfelter to make them fast 10 years ago. http://www.topcarrating.com/power.php?brand_id=142
NickD wrote: The mini Tuscan front end and wide front fenders work particularly well. I just wish that the roof bubble was only on 1 side, like the Sagaris.
My guess is they only wanted to make one mold for LHD and RHD cars - note the car pictured is RHD.
I like it. Definitely needs to be touched by Ellis Jaun.
Flying Miata should become the US dealer. Keith? 
Ian F wrote:NickD wrote: The mini Tuscan front end and wide front fenders work particularly well. I just wish that the roof bubble was only on 1 side, like the Sagaris.My guess is they only wanted to make one mold for LHD and RHD cars - note the car pictured is RHD. I like it. Definitely needs more Ellis Jaun. Flying Miata should become the US dealer. Keith?
Yeah, I realized that after I thought about that. Would also like the Sagaris' sideways exhaust but I understand why it doesn't, and some fab work could fix that.
And yes, Keith?
niiiice!
I dig it. That's the best realized aftermarket coupe conversion for the car I've seen. I wonder how it would look with a stock front end, maybe with some Autokonexion GT front fenders?
I've seen pictures of this kit under development, but the finished product looks a lot better.
I'm not sure I want to be the guy answering the phone when someone tries to bolt on some British fiberglass, though...
Keith Tanner wrote: I'm not sure I want to be the guy answering the phone when someone tries to bolt on some British fiberglass, though...
So...no aftermarket support for Lotus from you!
Keith Tanner wrote: I'm not sure I want to be the guy answering the phone when someone tries to bolt on some British fiberglass, though...
The kit car industry in the UK has been very very well established for a long long time. From low end stuff like the original UK version of the Exocet to things like the Ultima. While the GRP may be crap, it just as easily could be top notch.
I thought half the reason for buying a TVR was the quirks.
You know, with this the idea of a V8 Miata actually makes sense to me for the first time.
Not sure about the fuel filler though I think I'd reposition it if possible.
Berkley, I needed another project car like a hole in the head. I love tvr stuff and the ls swapped mx5s I've driven were really cool.
Adrian_Thompson wrote: You know, with this the idea of a V8 Miata actually makes sense to me for the first time.
Those better-lit photos make it look even nicer.
Adrian_Thompson wrote:Keith Tanner wrote: I'm not sure I want to be the guy answering the phone when someone tries to bolt on some British fiberglass, though...The kit car industry in the UK has been very very well established for a long long time. From low end stuff like the original UK version of the Exocet to things like the Ultima. While the GRP may be crap, it just as easily could be top notch.
Oh, I know. But I think there's also a greater tolerance of "file to fit" parts over there, based on my experience with my various LBCs and the Westfield kits. And the original Exocet is a great example of a cool idea with dodgy execution.
Check out the fitment of that rear plexiglass hatch, for example - I'd get a call about that. The combination of pampered US Miata owners and kit car body panels is not one I want to enjoy.
Regardless of finish, there are some parts on the kit that need attention. The targa top isn't retained at the rear at all, which is liable to lead to unintentional ejection at speed. I'd solve that with a couple of pegs and grommets, like we did on the Catfish tonneau cover. Any builder is going to have to deal with the remaining portions of the rear deck in a cleaner matter, especially as it's visible through the rear window. I'd be talking to NOHOME and figuring out what structure I could cut away there.
Don't get me wrong, it's a well-done kit. Especially the rear quarter view. I can't wait to see one in person, especially one that's well finished. The side and rear windows are much better executed than the US-sourced fastbacks.
I like it, but I would rather they had used more of a Sagaris front end than the one they did. In fact, the whole Sagaris would have been more to my liking.
In reply to bravenrace:
Yeah, the Sagaris does have the cooler front end, but I imagine that Sagaris headlights would have been much more difficult to make than the Tuscan's simple 6 round headlamps
Speaking of the lights... what are the rear lights from? I'm guessing they aren't bespoke to the kit.
In reply to NickD:
Good point.
Hot damn, now this is a kit I could get behind. Not sure how I feel about the targa roof though. I'd still prefer a solid roof I think.
Ian F wrote: Speaking of the lights... what are the rear lights from? I'm guessing they aren't bespoke to the kit.
A Volkswagen UP but turned on their side, I believe.
In reply to t25torx:
It's a kit. If you don't want it be a targa, then glass the panels together.
My bet is the targa is a byproduct of the windshield header attachment.
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