My new project

[john chesnut]

One thing leads to another. I was looking for fully independent suspension to use in a Kellison Coupe build I am doing. The Kellison is 66 inches wide. Too narrow for Corvette parts and I didn't want to add flares. I found that the 1989-2004 Miata's are 66 inches wide and have double A Frame independent suspension, not struts. I did a little research and found that the Miata is known for it's handling, durability and fun factor. The 4 cyl engine is connected to a 5 speed trans. There is a a large torque arm that ties the trans to the diff. The Miata is a unibody. Suspension cradles bolt into the unibody with just a few bolts. Disconnect some stuff, unbolt the cradles and the body can be lifted right off. What's remaining can be rolled around.

The engineering was impressive. The car is dead simple and it's cheap. I bought 2 Miata's. One for parts to use while figuring everything out. The second to build the finished car. It only has 78,000 miles and I got it for $1250! Almost too good to take apart. The problem is that the 4cylinder wasn't going to make it in a Kellison. That got me thinking about making a little 50's inspired body that would be appropriate for the drivetrain. The idea is simple. Buy a Miata, build a space frame, slide a cool body over it and drive off into the sunset.

So, I am full bore into this project. I have been working with a chassis engineer for the frame design. And, working with a designer in England for the body. I had the body made over there. It was put on ship and is on it's way to me, as of today. The body is designed to go over the relatively tall Miata engine and shock towers while retaining the Miata's stock 89.2 inch wheelbase. The attached pic is a photoshop job. But, I think my finished car will be very close to it.

After a very tough few years I am finally able to be back in a shop and have some fun. I thought that this would look good next to my Cobra. John