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Mazda Miata (MX-5) Gets a Rat Rod Treatment

Yeah, the car culture literally lost it; there are guys making electric Mustangs and Beetles while others are turning contemporary roadsters into mad rat rods. Wonder what’s next... Maybe top fuel cell dragsters...
V8 Mazda Miata rat rod 8 photos
Photo: David Choe
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We’ve seen other V8 Mazda Miatas (MX-5), but besides fitting it with such a powerplant, Tommy Reichelderfer ended up way past the car’s lovely theme. Nobody can tell it’s a hairdresser-mobile after this treatment.

According to autofocus’ report, Tommy grew around British roadsters, but he always had a thing for hot rods, rat rods, muscle cars and drifting. Strange combination, but, luckily, he found the perfect recipe to combine all in one.

The man, who is an engine builder by trade, decided one day to pump up more horsepower into a Miata, loose much of the unnecessary bits and go drifting. Miatas are known for being extremely fun even in standard configuration, so why not taking it to the next level?

And since he also learned some welding and fabricating in his spare time, he got a “bit” carried away, ending up with a combination of American and JDM style theme.

At the front, you can find bits from a ’32 Ford along with a 302 V8 engine, while the JDM back feels at home with slightly stanced wheels and pretty long exhaust tips.

The rest of the body has been sanded to look more rough and Tommy plans to give it a clear coat so it won’t rust. Other than that, the car is said to drift now like a charm, unlike other similar projects built only for show.

Unfortunately, there’s no video to be found on the interwebz with the car in action, so you’ll have to feast your eyes only on some pics.
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