Tipo 184 MX-5 Kit Car: Complete Build Guide And Costs

The Tipo 184 represents a clever fusion of vintage aesthetics and contemporary engineering, allowing enthusiasts to breathe new life into aging Mazda MX-5s. This kit car draws inspiration from the legendary Alfa Romeo 158, a dominant force in pre-war Grand Prix racing, while leveraging the reliable components of the popular Japanese roadster. Developed by Dowsetts Classic Cars in collaboration with automotive personality Ant Anstead, the project transforms donor vehicles into striking replicas that capture the essence of 1930s racing heritage without the prohibitive costs of authentic classics.

Origins of a Modern Classic Replica

The concept behind the Tipo 184 emerged from Anstead’s personal passion for historic racers. Having constructed his own Alfa Romeo 158 replica, featured on television shows like Master Mechanic, he sought to make similar builds accessible to a wider audience. Dowsetts Classic Cars refined this vision into a comprehensive kit, utilizing the Mazda MX-5—particularly the Mk2 (NB) generation—as the ideal donor due to its lightweight chassis, balanced handling, and tunable 1.8-liter engine.

The name ‘Tipo 184’ pays homage to the original Alfa Romeo Tipo 158, which displaced 1.5 liters with eight cylinders. This version adapts the nomenclature to reflect the MX-5’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder powerplant, blending historical nod with practical modernity. Launched around 2022, the kit quickly gained traction in the UK, sparking interest globally for its blend of nostalgia and DIY appeal.

Selecting and Preparing Your Donor MX-5

Compatibility is key for a successful Tipo 184 build. Pre-facelift Mk2 MX-5s (NB models) are the primary donors, often sourced from the used market where rust-affected examples are plentiful and affordable. These cars, plagued by corrosion in regions with harsh winters, become perfect candidates for upcycling.

• Ideal Donor Specs: 1.8-liter engine, manual transmission, pre-facelift NB chassis.
• Why NB? Its dimensions and running gear align seamlessly with the kit’s custom tubular steel chassis.
• Sourcing Tips: Dowsetts offers assistance in finding suitable vehicles; budget around £2,000-£4,000 for a viable donor.

NA-generation MX-5s may require modifications, but current kits prioritize NB for bolt-on simplicity. Once acquired, the donor’s engine, gearbox, prop shaft, differential, brakes, suspension, and steering rack are retained, ensuring proven reliability.

Kit Components and Assembly Process

The Tipo 184 kit is designed for builders of varying skill levels, with assembly estimated at 100-150 hours. Priced from £17,700 plus VAT (complete kits around £27,000 excluding donor), it arrives in stages for phased construction, much like a detailed model kit but for a functional vehicle.

Central to the build is a purpose-built tubular steel chassis that mounts the MX-5’s front and rear subframes. Key upgrades include:

• GAZ coil-over shocks for enhanced handling.
• Dowsett-specific upper control arms.
• Knock-off hubs and replica Borrani-style wire wheels with Blockley tires.
• Faux finned drum brake covers over modern discs.
• Exposed side-exit exhaust with decorative ports.

Bodywork features lightweight fiberglass panels mimicking the slender, cylindrical form of the Alfa 158, complete with vintage instrumentation relocated to a period-style pod. Entry is unconventional—climbing over the side—suited to its single-seat, track-focused design. Detailed YouTube videos guide each step, from subframe integration to final panel fitting. For those preferring a hands-off approach, fully built turnkey versions are available.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Retaining the MX-5’s 1.8-liter engine, the Tipo 184 delivers 146 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 124 lb ft at 5,000 rpm. Shedding over 300 kg to reach 700 kg total weight (55/45 front/rear bias), it offers sprightly acceleration and agile cornering reminiscent of era-correct racers.

Power steering is removed for authentic feel, while the shortened wheelbase and low mass enhance responsiveness. Tuners can boost output to 200 hp for track use. Initial versions are track-only, but road-legal conversions are in development, expanding usability despite limited storage and stone-prone open cockpit.

Visual and Authentic Details

Aesthetics are a highlight, with multi-spoke wheels, elongated exhaust headers, and streamlined bodywork evoking the ‘Alfetta’ racer’s elegance. The red gelcoat finish (production models in classic racing livery) and exposed mechanicals create a museum-quality appearance. Each build receives a unique chassis number, distinguishing it from the donor MX-5 for registration.

Purists may debate its replica status, but the kit’s fidelity to the Tipo 158’s silhouette—supercharged straight-eight roots notwithstanding—delivers tangible heritage immersion.

Cost Breakdown and Value Proposition

Investing in a Tipo 184 offers exceptional value compared to restored originals, which fetch millions. Here’s a typical budget:

• Kit: £17,700-£27,000 + VAT
• Donor MX-5: £2,000-£4,000
• Tools/Incidentals: £1,000-£2,000
• Total: ~£25,000-£35,000

For this, owners gain a bespoke racer with modern safety and parts availability, plus potential appreciation in the growing kit car market.

Track and Road Applications

Currently track-legal in the UK with a dedicated race series, the Tipo 184 excels in historic events, its rear-wheel drive and lightweight setup enabling playful oversteer. The forthcoming road kit addresses limitations like single seating and exposure, ideal for spirited drives or shows. No luggage space suits pure driving machines, demanding helmets against debris.

Community and Support

Dowsetts provides robust backing, from donor sourcing to video tutorials. Enthusiast forums buzz with builds, and Anstead’s involvement adds credibility. Global demand hints at future expansions, potentially influencing similar retro kits.

FAQs

Q: Which MX-5 models work best?
A: Pre-facelift Mk2 (NB) 1.8-liter models; NA may need adaptations.

Q: Is it street-legal?
A: Track-only now; road conversion kit upcoming.

Q: How long to build?
A: 100-150 hours for competent builders.

Q: Can I tune the engine?
A: Yes, up to 200 hp easily with MX-5 parts.

Q: What’s the price?
A: £17,700+ VAT for kit, plus donor.

Why Choose the Tipo 184?

This kit car democratizes Grand Prix nostalgia, merging MX-5 dependability with Alfa Romeo allure. Whether for track days, builds, or display, it delivers unmatched engagement at a fraction of authentic costs.