The Ultimate Japanese Roadster with British Charm: Exploring the Simpson Design NC Mazda Miata
There is an unspoken rule in the automotive enthusiast community: if you want uncompromised reliability, you buy Japanese; if you want unmatched elegance and dramatic heritage, you buy British. For decades, sports car purists have been forced to choose between the visceral, heart-stopping beauty of a classic grand tourer and the pragmatic reality of a car that actually starts every single morning.
Every once in a while, however, a machine emerges that shatters this dichotomy entirely.
Consider the iconic 1967 James Bond thriller You Only Live Twice. Enthusiasts fondly remember the open-top Toyota 2000GT created exclusively for Sean Connery’s 007. Only two were ever built, rendering the vehicle a legendary unicorn—an unattainable dream for virtually every collector on the planet. Yet, the appetite for a Japanese sports car infused with quintessential secret-agent flair never truly went away.
Enter one of the most intriguing custom vehicles to hit the collector car market in recent memory: a custom coachbuilt NC-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata transformed into an Aston Martin tribute. Crafted by the renowned artisans at Simpson Design, this vehicle represents the absolute sweet spot of boutique automotive customization. It delivers the stunning visual presence of a hand-crafted European exotic alongside the bulletproof mechanicals of a mass-produced Japanese roadster.
SIMPSON DESIGN CUSTOM COACHWORK (Aston Martin Style)
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Visual Elegance: Custom Aluminum & Fiberglass Bodywork │
│ Classic Detailing: Vintage Chrome Grille & Knock-Off Wire Wheels│
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ UNDERLYING MAZDA NC PLATFORM │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Engine: 2.0L MZR DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder (166 hp / 140 lb-ft)│
│ Drivetrain: 6-Speed Sport Shift Automatic with Rear-Wheel Drive│
│ Serviceability: Standard Maintenance at any Mazda Dealership │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Coachbuilding Mastery: The Vision of Simpson Design
To truly appreciate this vehicle, one must understand the legacy of Jim Simpson and Clinton, Washington–based Simpson Design. Long before modern widebody kits and mass-produced fiberglass add-ons flooded the aftermarket, Simpson was practicing the traditional art of custom automotive coachbuilding. Often referred to as America’s answer to Japan’s legendary Mitsuoka, Simpson Design has spent decades taking reliable Japanese sports car platforms and re-imagining them as classic European roadsters and grand tourers.
Rebodying a car is far more complex than simply bolting on new panels. It requires an artist’s eye for proportion, a master craftsman’s precision, and a deep respect for aerodynamic balance.
[FRONT END]
Retro Oval Grille & Round Headlights
│
▼
[SIDE PROFILE] ───────────────────────────────────────── [REAR TAIL]
Wire Wheels w/ Knock-Offs Smooth Vintage Curves
Removable Factory Hardtop Dual Exhaust Tips
│
▼
[UNDERCARRIAGE]
Stock NC Chassis & 2.0L MZR Powertrain
Key Highlights of the Simpson Design Transformation
Hand-Sculpted Exterior: The factory sheet metal gives way to classic, swooping body contours reminiscent of 1960s British sports cars, complete with a distinctive front chrome grille, rounded headlamp housings, and elegant rear haunches.
Period-Correct Rolling Stock: The car rides on 16-inch wire wheels featuring functional knock-off hubs, perfectly anchoring its vintage aesthetic.
Dual-Top Versatility: Outfitted with both a lightweight canvas soft top for quick open-air motoring and a color-matched removable hardtop for sleek, all-weather coupe styling.
Ultra-Rare Production: Hand-built in exceptionally limited numbers. Reports indicate this specific roadster configuration is one of just two units ever created by the builder, making it rarer than almost any exotic supercar on the market today.
This custom Mazda Miata on Bring a Trailer isn’t trying to trick people into believing it rolled off the line in Gaydon, England. Instead, it offers a refined, playful homage to classic British motoring—delivering bespoke luxury styling without the terrifying repair bills that usually follow hand-built sports cars.
The NC Platform: Why the Third-Generation MX-5 is the Ultimate Foundation
When Mazda introduced the NC-generation MX-5 Miata (produced from 2005 through 2015), purists initially met it with mixed reactions. Moving from the lightweight NA and NB chassis to a platform derived from the RX-8 sports car meant the NC was slightly larger and heavier than its predecessors.
However, time and real-world track experience have completely rewritten that narrative. Today, experienced auto mechanics and performance car insurance specialists recognize the NC chassis as the stiffest, most refined, and most durable platform in Miata history.
+———————————————————————–+
| NC MAZDA MIATA CHASSIS ADVANTAGES |
+———————————————————————–+
| STRUCTURAL RIGIDITY | Shared RX-8 architecture provides superior |
| | torsional stiffness compared to NA/NB. |
+———————————————————————–+
| ENGINE RELIABILITY | Proven 2.0L MZR engine features a durable |
| | timing chain and easy aftermarket upkeep. |
+———————————————————————–+
| DAILY DRIVABILITY | Wider cabin ergonomics, enhanced crash safety,|
| | and comfortable modern suspension geometry. |
+———————————————————————–+
Underneath the vintage Aston Martin-inspired bodywork sits Mazda’s rock-solid 2.0-liter MZR inline four-cylinder engine. Generating 166 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque in stock trim, this engine delivers punchy, linear acceleration perfectly matched to a lightweight chassis. Paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, this build prioritizes effortless daily cruising and scenic weekend drives over high-stress manual gear-banging.
Exotic Aesthetics Meets Everyday Practicality
The true brilliance of this coachbuilt roadster lies in its daily usability. Anyone who has owned a vintage British roadster or an Italian exotic knows the anxiety that comes with every drive: Will the electrical system fail? Will the cooling system overheat in traffic? Where can I find a specialist auto repair shop if something breaks down?
With this Simpson Design creation, those worries completely evaporate.
Why Everyday Maintenance is a Breeze
Standard OEM Parts: Underneath the custom body, the powertrain, braking system, suspension, and wiring harnesses are genuine OEM Mazda components.
Accessible Servicing: You don’t need to transport this vehicle to a specialized high-end auto repair center charging $300 an hour. Any certified Mazda dealership or local mechanic can perform routine maintenance, oil changes, and brake replacements.
Affordable Auto Insurance Costs: Because the vehicle is titled as a Mazda MX-5 Miata, securing reliable car insurance coverage or collector car insurance is straightforward and remarkably budget-friendly compared to high-maintenance exotics.
Low Mileage Preservation: With just 26,000 original miles recorded on the odometer, the mechanical components are barely broken in, promising years of trouble-free motoring.
The Collector Car Market & Investment Potential
Automotive auctions on platforms like Bring a Trailer have experienced explosive growth, driven by enthusiasts seeking unique vehicles that stand out from mass-market offerings. When evaluating collector car investments, uniqueness and condition are paramount.
COLLECTOR VALUE DRIVERS
[ Rarity ] ────────► 1 of 2 Units Ever Built
[ Provenance ] ────► Crafted by Simpson Design
[ Condition ] ─────► Only 26,000 Original Miles
[ Usability ] ─────► Reliable Mazda Mechanicals
Custom coachbuilt cars occupy a special niche in the automotive market. While mass-produced sports cars face predictable depreciation curves, limited-production coachbuilt vehicles often retain strong resale value due to their absolute scarcity. For an enthusiast looking to lock in an affordable luxury vehicle that doubles as an instant head-turner at local cars-and-coffee events, this custom Mazda Miata on Bring a Trailer represents incredible value.
Driving Experience: Living Out the 007 Fantasy
Sliding behind the wheel of this custom roadster is an experience unlike any modern sports car. Turn the key, and the responsive 2.0-liter engine settles into a smooth, quiet idle. As you pull into traffic, the view over the long, hand-sculpted hood immediately reminds you that you are driving something truly special.
On winding back roads, the well-sorted NC chassis shines. The hydraulic power steering offers crisp, communicative feedback, letting you place the front wheels precisely where you want them. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease, while the automatic transmission shifts effortlessly, allowing you to relax, lean back, and enjoy the open air.
Every gas station stop becomes a conversation starter. Bystanders will inevitably ask, “What year is that Aston Martin?” or “Is that a vintage European prototype?” You can smile, channel your inner secret agent, and decide whether to reveal the reliable Japanese engineering hiding beneath the surface.
The Verdict: Unmatched Character for the Discerning Driver
The custom Mazda Miata on Bring a Trailer modified by Simpson Design isn’t just a car; it is a celebration of automotive creativity. It bridges the gap between classic British sophistication and modern Japanese engineering, giving you the best of both worlds without the compromises of either.
Whether you are an avid auto collector searching for a rare conversation piece, an enthusiast looking for a stress-free weekend cruiser, or simply someone who wants to live out their secret-agent driving dreams on a realistic budget, this coachbuilt roadster delivers unmatched charm per dollar.
Are you ready to elevate your garage with a one-of-a-kind automotive masterpiece? Head over to the live listing on Bring a Trailer before the auction ends on April 28 to place your bid, and take the first step toward owning one of the most distinctive roadsters on the road today.
