This is my 2003 Mazda Miata, a project I bought in the heat of summer '23. An ongoing project, and a good excuse to step away from a screen.
One of my favorite things about building a car is that there isn't one correct way to do it. There are countless styles and directions you can take, and I've always argued that pulling ideas from several styles rather than fitting the car into one category is a lot more satisfying. A lot of that inspiration comes from friends, and the shows I attend. The goal is something cohesive, but still distinctly mine.
A lot of my inspiration comes from the Japanese tuner cars of the 1990s and 2000s. I love the wheels, fitment, colors, graphics, and little details that gave cars from that era so much personality. I want the Miata to feel like something that could have existed in that period without trying to make it a perfect time capsule. Other choices are completely personal, and that's part of the fun.
At the same time, I still want to actually drive the car. I love aggressive fitment and low cars, but I don't want something I'm afraid to take down a back road because of a bump in the pavement. I want the stance I'm looking for while still being able to throw it into a corner, take a long drive, or enjoy the car without sacrificing my oil pan.
My philosophy is still form > function. I'm willing to sacrifice some practicality for the look I want, but never enough that the car stops being enjoyable. A happy medium is what I'm after: something inspired by the tuner culture I grew up loving, something unmistakably mine, and something I can still grab the keys to and drive.
A closer look at the details, and the thinking behind them.
under the hood
Some of the work I want to document barely shows up in photos: maintenance, small fixes, and figuring out what needs attention next. There is something satisfying about getting to know an older car one job at a time.
the shoes
This was an important decision for me I spent way too long thinking about. These are my 15" CST Precedeo Demon Cambers I bought brand new from Japan. A classic 90's 3-piece wheel that plays well with the style direction I took for this car.
the shape
The car is fitted with the OEM Mazdaspeed Miata body kit, or also known as the tupperware kit. The only non-tupperware part on my setup is the Garage Vary replica front lip. I will be replacing this soon.
the details
My interior is arguably my favorite part about this car. Most notably: JoySupply steering wheel, shift knob and floor mats. Kenwood DPX-6021M radio (y2k radio excusively sold in Japan). Custom flame gauge cluster.