By Evan Williams
Follow
Mazda’s Sports Car Transformed, 1950s-Style
Owner Tommy Reichelderfer started this bare-metal build with a 1991 Mazda MX-5. He began with a bare shell and added a Tig-welded roll cage, custom rear fenders, and quarter-window panels. As a machinist by profession, he incorporated many custom-built parts into the car.
Where there used to be a hood, pop-up lamps, and a 115-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, there is now no hood, hot rod-style front lights, and a powerful V8. The engine is a 331 cubic inch (5.4-liter) SCAT stroker Ford Windsor small block, making 460 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It also has clear valve covers for added visual appeal.
Magazine And TV-Featured Build
The finished build was featured on Top Gear, specifically on American Tuned featuring Rob Dahm. It has also been showcased in print media multiple times, according to Reichelderfer.
Known as the Odd Rod, this unique Miata is now up for sale on Facebook Marketplace at an asking price of $37,500. Reichelderfer is open to selling it without a drivetrain for those interested in customizing their own powertrain.