The MEV Exocet

With 750,000 sold between 1989 and 2005, the Mazda Miata is the bestselling two-seater sports car in history. A reliable, lightweight roadster featuring front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout with a soul that descends from the popular British sports cars of the 60s. There's a reason we all love it: it really is that good. Just take a look at your local track on any given weekend.

So what is the problem with the Miata? Truthfully, not much. That's why it makes an excellent platform for a new exoskeletal kit car. Designer Stuart Mills had very clear design goals from the beginning of the Exocet project: easy to build, lightweight, low cost and massive fun. A brilliant concept aimed at the novice car builder.

The build progression is fairly simple: strip down the body of the donor Miata, remove the wiring harness, unbolt the front and rear sub-frames and lift off the old body with an engine hoist. You will be left with the entire mechanical underpinnings of the Miata.

Next, rivet on the floors, install the brake/fuel lines and bolt the new exoskeletal Exocet chassis to the donor components. Now re-install the steering column, instruments, wiring harness, parking brake, fuel tank, seats and seat belts. Designed to be completed in about 100 hours. No welding, special tools or alterations to donor components needed. You don't even need to take the engine out.

Immerse yourself in the Exocet experience at the MEV Owner's Forum

Exomotive's Exocet hits the streets in Atlanta, GA