If you’ve ever fantasized about living the James Bond lifestyle—minus the MI6 paychecks and global espionage—this Aston Martin-styled Mazda Miata on Bring a Trailer just might be your ticket to suave. Forget spending millions on a classic DB5. With this coachbuilt Miata, you get all the head-turning panache of a British icon wrapped around the reliability and affordability of Mazda engineering. But there’s more to this quirky roadster than meets the eye.
Why This Matters
- Coachbuilt oddities like this Miata challenge what we expect from collector cars, blending accessible reliability with exotic style.
- It’s a rare case where you don’t have to sacrifice daily usability for uniqueness. Most bespoke vehicles are either museum pieces or maintenance nightmares. Here, you get the best of both worlds.
- Small-batch coachbuilding is making a comeback, and this Miata is evidence that car culture still rewards creativity even in the mass-produced era.
What Most People Miss
- Only two of these Simpson Design Miatas exist—one coupe, one roadster. Rarity brings intrigue and potential future value.
- This isn’t a kit car; it’s a hand-built rebody by Simpson Design, echoing the golden days of European coachbuilders.
- Underneath, it’s a third-gen NC Miata, widely considered the “soft option” for purists, but actually praised for its forgiving ride and real-world fun factor.
- Wire wheels, knock-off hubs, and period-correct details make this Miata more than cosplay—it’s a well-executed homage.
Key Takeaways
- You get Aston Martin looks, Mazda reliability, and a price tag that won’t induce cardiac arrest.
- The 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 166 hp is lively enough for any spirited backroad drive, and maintenance is as simple as booking a service at your local Mazda dealer.
- With just 26,000 miles and both hard and soft tops, this Miata is ready for daily driving or Cars & Coffee stardom.
- The Simpson Design badge is more than a novelty. Jim Simpson’s work has a cult following, reminiscent of Japan’s Mitsuoka but with a distinctly European flavor.
Broader Context: The Rise of Neo-Coachbuilding
In recent years, limited-run, coachbuilt cars have surged in popularity among collectors and enthusiasts. From Singer’s reimagined Porsche 911s to Alfaholics’ modernized Giulia GTAs, the appetite for blending classic design with modern dependability is insatiable. This custom Miata fits right into that trend—at a fraction of the cost.
Pros and Cons Analysis
- Pros:
- Unique, head-turning looks
- Mazda mechanicals = reliability and affordable maintenance
- Coachbuilt rarity and craftsmanship
- Everyday usability
- Cons:
- Six-speed automatic may disappoint manual purists
- Peculiar styling isn’t for everyone
- Resale market is niche—though that could be a plus for the right buyer
Action Steps & Practical Implications
- If you’re looking for a unique collector’s car that’s actually drivable, keep an eye on Bring a Trailer auctions like this one.
- Watch the market for neo-coachbuilt oddballs—Simpson Design, Mitsuoka, and others are gaining new fans in the post-restomod era.
- Consider the broader appeal: this is a car that bridges the gap between car nerds and style seekers—no tuxedo required (but encouraged).
“This little roadster has all the elements to be both weird and wonderful, droptop fun that’ll have people asking, ‘What is that?’”
The Bottom Line
This Aston Martin-inspired Miata is proof that automotive dreams don’t have to be out of reach—or stuck in the past. It’s a charming, usable, and rare slice of coachbuilding flair in a package you can take to the grocery store or the next Bond-themed gala. If you want to drive something truly memorable, this might just be your license to thrill.