A Miata with grand-tourer ambitions

A custom-bodied 2007 Mazda Miata listed on Bring a Trailer has been restyled to evoke classic Aston Martins, according to Jalopnik. Beneath the unusual bodywork is an NC-generation Miata with its original 166-horsepower, 140-pound-foot drivetrain and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The car was built by Jim Simpson of Simpson Design, a builder known for vintage-inspired Mazda Miata bodies. Jalopnik notes that the current seller added Aston Martin badges.

Craft and compromise

The source report describes the custom bodywork as well executed in some respects, with smooth panels, consistent gaps, and strong paint quality. At the same time, it questions whether the proportions fully capture the graceful lines of the classic Aston Martins that inspired it.

The car’s appeal depends on whether a buyer values the theatrical exterior more than strict historical accuracy or performance upgrades. The Miata platform brings known mechanical simplicity, but this example reportedly remains mechanically unmodified.

That creates an unusual contrast: a bespoke body suggesting rare grand-tourer drama, paired with a familiar Miata powertrain and an automatic gearbox.

Safety concerns

Jalopnik also flagged the deletion of several safety features, including the NC Miata’s roll hoops, head restraints, and driver airbag. That matters because one advantage of restomod-style builds is often the combination of older visual character with newer mechanical and safety systems.

Removing safety equipment changes that equation. The source does not provide crash testing, engineering certification, or inspection details for the conversion, so no conclusions can be drawn beyond the reported deletions.

As a transportation story, the car is less about mass-market mobility and more about the tension inside custom automotive culture. Builders and buyers often pursue personality, rarity, and nostalgia, but those choices can introduce compromises in safety, usability, and coherence.

This Miata shows how far customization can go while still relying on a modern donor platform. Whether that makes it charming or awkward is ultimately the auction market’s decision.

This article is based on reporting by Jalopnik. Read the original article.

Originally published on jalopnik.com