Home

Mazda

MX-5 Miata

News

Mazda Miata M Coupe Concept Is A Forgotten One-Off Gem

Let the designer explain its design intricacies.

Mazda Miata M Coupe Concept Video

10:41

Chris Bruce

By: Chris Bruce

Jan 24, 2020 at 2:47pm ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Share

Comment

The folks at Savage Geese were lucky enough to take the Mazda MX-5 Miata M Coupe concept out of the brand's archives in Irvine, California, and filmed the experience of taking the unique car on the road. Age hasn't been too kind to the machine. Still, it's a treat to see the one-off underway on the street.

Gallery: Mazda Miata M Coupe Concept Video

Mazda Miata M Coupe Concept Video

7

Mazda Miata M Coupe Concept Video

In an interview with designer Tom Matano, he said that the idea behind the M Coupe was to show that the Miata didn't necessarily have to be a roadster. The new fiber-glass, fixed roof featured a subtle double-bubble element and expansive rear glass. Matano also paid special attention to raise the rear fenders to match the new proportions better. A Remus exhaust is the only powertrain change.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

shop now

save over $3,400 on average off MSRP* on a new Mazda MX-5 Miata

shop now

What do you think?

View

Comments

Inside, the loss of the folding roof opens up more space, and Matano's design adds a parcel shelf there. There are also trim changes like unique seats with M logos on the headrests, suede door panels, Momo pedals, and a Momo gearshift.

The Very Latest Miata News:

The Miata M Coupe was a one-off that debuted at the 1996 New York Auto Show. The team only had four weeks to put it together, according to Matano. With this in mind, it's understandable that the Savage Bees hosts have complaints about the suspension setup and fiberglass pieces adding weight in comparison to the roadster, which appears to have a detrimental effect on performance. With the proper engineering time, a production version of the coupe may have been better.

Source: savagegeese via YouTube

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

Driven: The Revuelto SV Is All Bull, No BS

Toyota's Next Mid-Engined Coupe Is Going Racing This Weekend

Alfa Romeo Has Had It With Huge Screens

Subaru Teases A New Manual WRX, But Only For Japan

latest articles

Woman Takes Her Kia For Routine Maintenance. That’ll Be $1,000: ‘On A Kia?!?’ Oct 24 - Trending -
Ferrari's CEO Praises The Tesla Roadster: 'We Have To Keep Dreaming' Oct 24 - Design -
Woman Takes Her Car For An Oil Change At Meineke. Then She’s Told It'll Be $800: ‘How Much?!’ Oct 24 - Trending -
NASCAR's Coolest Stock Cars Were Too Good At Their Jobs Oct 24 - Motor101 -
Woman Buys RAV4. Then She Realizes This Highly Sought-After Item Is Already Built-In: ‘They Did Not Tell Me This’ Oct 24 - Trending -
Customer Tries To Do ‘Courtesy Lease Return’ For Mazda. There’s Just One Problem: ‘I’ve Not Seen Something Like That Before’ Oct 24 - Trending -
Man Buys 2026 Ford Truck. Then The Salesman Gives Him A Sneaky Offer Usually Reserved For People With Bad Credit Oct 23 - Trending -

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Mazda Knows People Don't Really Want An Electric Miata

Woman Takes Her Kia For Routine Maintenance. That’ll Be $1,000: ‘On A Kia?!?’

Winners And Losers From September Auto Sales

Ferrari's CEO Praises The Tesla Roadster: 'We Have To Keep Dreaming'

Mazda Reveals Poppy Art Car On A 1995 MX-5 Mk1

Woman Takes Her Car For An Oil Change At Meineke. Then She’s Told It'll Be $800: ‘How Much?!’

Customer Tries To Do ‘Courtesy Lease Return’ For Mazda. There’s Just One Problem: ‘I’ve Not Seen Something Like That Before’