Used 2002 Mazda MX-5

Simpson Design is a niche automotive builder and design house founded by Jim Simpson in Clinton, Washington. The company specializes in creating bespoke coachwork and kit cars, primarily utilizing the robust, readily available chassis and mechanical components of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This approach allows enthusiasts to own a vehicle with the reliability and renowned handling characteristics of a modern Japanese sports car, but cloaked in custom, hand-formed bodywork that evokes the aesthetics of classic European exotics from the 1950s and 60s. Jim Simpson's distinct design philosophy focuses on capturing the timeless, simple beauty of vintage roadsters, such as the Lotus Elan, Ghia-Aigle coachbuilt cars, and other lightweight British and Italian sports racers. By meticulously shaping fiberglass bodies and crafting custom metal components, Simpson Design offers a unique blend of heritage styling and practical, contemporary performance. The company's work is a tribute to the era of limited-production coachbuilders, creating rolling sculptures that appeal to those seeking a truly unique driving experience without the maintenance complexity of a true vintage exotic. This specific vehicle, titled as a 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata, is Simpson Design's take on the classic concept, which they named the Swift. It was designed and built in 2018 as a direct homage to the rare, Giovanni Michelotti-styled 1957 Ghia-Aigle Lotus XI. The original Miata body shell was discarded, and the car was constructed around a custom-fabricated steel chassis that maintains the factory 88-inch wheelbase and utilizes the donor car's original front and rear subframes. The low-slung, curvaceous body is hand-formed fiberglass, finished in a vibrant Red hue, and accented by unique styling cues like a late-C1 Corvette-sourced windshield and custom cloisonné badging. Underneath the vintage-inspired exterior lies the mechanical dependability of the NB Miata. Power is sourced from the reliable 1.8-liter DOHC inline-four engine which, in stock form, produced 142 horsepower. Critically, this engine is mated to the highly desirable six-speed manual transmission which drives the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. The vehicle rides on period-correct, chrome-finished 15-inch wire-spoke wheels secured by two-eared knock-offs, ensuring both classic appearance and agile handling thanks to the Miata-based four-wheel disc brake system. The bespoke two-seater cockpit completes the transformation, featuring bolstered bucket seats upholstered in black leatherette with a textured center, and a fully custom fiberglass dashboard. The simple, driver-focused interior is dominated by a three-spoke, wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, adding a further touch of classic motorsport elegance. The combination of its eye-catching, unique coachwork and the celebrated Japanese roadster mechanicals makes the Simpson Swift a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle that delivers both stunning visual presence and reliable, exhilarating open-top driving.