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Mazda Miata Barchetta Monoposto. A prototype born classic

It is never okay to begin an article like one who begins a defense statement. This invites us to question the veracity of what is to come, to doubt the interest of what we are going to spend a few minutes reading on. However, in this case there is no other choice, since the protagonist of the article is a car that is only 21 years old. In fact, with this age we can even consider this Miata barchetta a classic. However, we all know that within the classics there are certain somewhat flexible categories.

The first is that, due to the special nature of their conception, some cars are not classic, but are classified as such from their appearance. It is the phenomenon of “born classic”; a recurring journalistic topic with which to decorate the text on the presentation of not a few Ferrari or Aston Martin. The second can be seen in the classics press every month, whenever a current-manufactured car is reviewed for its clear tribute to this or that myth from decades ago. For this reason, not only publications on various r, but also those referring to the new tributary models to the lines and names of the past.

For us, this 2000 Miata Barchetta ticks both boxes. The first, because its conception as a prototype made on a whim elevates it to the category of contemporary classic. And the second because, despite the abundance of barchettas that have been appearing lately, few deliver as accomplished a tribute to the originals of the fifties as this one. This being the case, there is no doubt that, despite the fact that this is a classics magazine, the 5 Mazda MX2000 Monoposto It is a most interesting prototype for not a few fans of cars with the tradition of time.

MIATA BARCHETTA MONOPOSTO. TRIBUTE TO THE OLD SCHOOL

Much of the legend created around Ferrari comes from the success of its first competition cars. A long series of light automobiles made by hand from the tubular chassis conceived by Aurelio Lampredi, later dressed by coachbuilders such as Touring or Allemano. They were named with the number 166, to which various adjectives were added depending on the evolution or career for which they were intended. For this reason, those destined for the Mille Miglia received the nickname of Ferrari 166 MM. Possibly one of the most successful and celebrated cavallinos in history. And also responsible for the rise of the barchettas.

And it is that, lacking a roof or almost any element above the lateral line of the body, these cars looked like open-air boats. A nautical simile pronounced by Gianni Agnelli when he saw the 166 MM, leaving such an aquatic name for history when talking about sports cars where the most outstanding thing is the pilot's head. Sports that were in the majority at the end of the forties, until they were replaced by the roof of the imposing GT in races such as Le Mans during the fifties and sixties. However, its aesthetics remained fixed in the collective heritage as the line of a heroic time in classic motorsports.

That is why, over the decades, brands like Mazda resorted to nostalgia to claim the barchetta. A logical strategy in the case of the Japanese company. Since his 5 MX1989 drinks directly from the lightness and small size of those barchettas. A clear tribute to them, which has managed to be the best-selling convertible of all time thanks to its excellent design and cheerful behavior. The perfect fusion between those sports like the 166MM and the Japanese principle of jinba ittai, according to which rider and mount must be one.

MONOPOSTO 2000. ONE OF SEVERAL MAZDA BARCHETTA

The first of these Miata barchettas was the M Speedster Concept from 1995. A first attempt that, even though it was born as an isolated example, seems to be intended for mass production thanks to details such as the windshield, the security arches and the doors of the Miata model. series. Elements absent in the radical Monoposto of 2000. Here the windshield is a small testimonial rear window, the safety arch barely rises from the seat a few centimeters and doors become almost non-existent. A risky design bet without concessions to homologation, which is quite similar to what Ferrari has done recently with its Monza SP1 and SP2.

A radicalism that not only remained in aesthetics. Since the Miata Barchetta Monoposto modifies the 1 liter second generation MX8 to up to 187CV thanks to an HKS turbocharger, special manifolds and a stainless steel central exhaust. Quite a whim that stuck to its role as an advertising operation within the framework of SEMA Las Vegas. Never going to series production. Something in which it coincides with its three successors, also simple brand operations presented at events such as SEMA or the Frankfurt Fair.

The latest of these Miata barchettas are the 5 MX2015 Speedster and its 2016 EVO Concept evolution. Two creations with which Mazda wanted to highlight the possibility of customizing its most iconic sports car without losing its essence. Something that is understood especially under the logic of the North American market, where the industry of modifications is so important. However, and beyond any practical analysis that we can do, the truth is that the 2000 Mazda Miata barchetta Monoposto is one of the most delicious open-air creatures of decades.

Photographs: Mazda

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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