While Mazda's cut-price little sports car has always been a beautifully balanced thing straight off the factory line, the mod culture around them continues to grow.
That's not a reference to those who are modifying them for racing or drifting, either. That's the culture around people slamming them on the floor with air-bagged suspension, dumping V8 engines under the hood, and generally turning them into show cars.
And while yes, it's their money and their right to be able to do what they want to their own car, it is a slight shame that the pert driving characteristics of the car are long lost.
However, none of those kinds of cars can hold a candle to this — there's no other word for it — monstrosity. I give you, the elongated MX-5 pick-up.
This ... thing ... is naturally up for sale on Craigslist in the US, for the all-too-tempting price of $6,000USD. That's just over $8,000NZD, a price that would net you a decent untouched first-generation MX-5 here any day of the week.
As with most of these kinds of built-in-a-barn-while-most-likely-a-touch-intoxicated machines, the saddest element is just how well put together it all is. This MX-5 (well, Miata) looks rather presentable from a side-on angle. It's only until you pay any attention to the finish of the rear cover that the 'illusion' unravels.
Then there's the big black stripe that makes the car look like the Starsky & Hutch Torino's cousin. The one who didn't get out as much, and still thinks that car bras are hip.
How would it drive? Hard to say, but the camber on the rear wheels is a little bit ominous.
We'll stick with the standard ones, thanks.