The Top 20 Cars For A Budget Restomod

August 26, 2017

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Bet you thought the Monza entry was the last time I was going to mention a rotary engine powered car, huh? Truth is, the Miata, while not as capable a dragster as any of the V8-powered beasts in this list, is pure fun. It takes the finest points of driving and compresses them into a tiny little machine that no one should be ashamed to own. They’re cheap as all get out, never being expensive to begin with. An example from the mid-90s will set you back somewhere around $4000, and running one is pretty economical too as it’s not made to chew through tires. Do keep in mind that it was pretty barebones as standard: AC, electric windows and power steering were options. Parts are really easy to come by too, so when the inevitable replacements come up, you won’t have to scour the Earth. You can also do some incredible looking rebuilds on it, if you’re so inclined.

Mazda have recently announced they’re about to start offering full restorations on old Japanese Miatas, so if that makes its way over here, parts should be even easier to get. It’s underpowered and small, sure, but it’s also damn good fun.

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