Arguably when it's been given the full Pit Crew treatment like this one, the rare-groove, retro look created by this artisan Japanese tuning shop among the more far-reaching conversions you could go for when customising your MX-5. Fully realised transformations like this one are a rare sight indeed and held in huge esteem by Mazda aficionados, the chance to go and see one in the metal and share it on the blog too good to turn down.
MX5 purists might question the need to mess with the already beautiful lines of the original Mk1, especially given the dwindling numbers of nice, original examples. But the Pit Crew makeover is so extensive it pretty much becomes something unique and different. And this one landed in the UK from Japan with the Pit Crew bits already installed, albeit with some work to do.
Much as the standard Mk1 MX5 took inspiration from classic British roadsters of the 60s and 70s (most obviously the Lotus Elan) the Pit Crew look is heavily influenced by the classic Ginetta G40, the elongated nose with the fixed, chrome-ringed headlights giving it a decisively retro appearance. No Pit Crew conversion is the same and some owners have taken this theme further, with a full backdate look. Others take a more mix-and-match approach to their influences, this one taking some retro flourishes but combined with a quilted leather interior, 'shorty' rear bumper and skilfully blended rear lights.
Now with a private owner, the work was originally carried out by Mazda bodywork specialists Deepcar Autobodies in Sheffield to showcase their talents, the interior makeover and BBR turbo kit among the additions. They also blended in the joins between the Pit Crew nose and the wings and filled in the cutouts for the pop-up lights on the bonnet, resulting in a super-clean look that's far more resolved than many Pit Crews. Getting it to this kind of state took a lot of work though. And - cue the subtle plug - a lot of parts.
Which is the point of drawing your attention to it. Modification and personalisation are a huge part of MX5 culture, across all generations. But under every modded car - no matter how wild - there's a Mazda and our extensive range of factory and other parts are here to support you in realising your vision. Let your imagination run riot. But when you need the bits to hang it all together you know who to call! And if youre feeling inspired share your modified MX5s with us on our Instagram or Facebook on @MX5Parts and Let's see what you've been up to!
For the full feature on this incredible car check out the new issue of Total MX-5 magazine; photo by Sim Mainey
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