This is what a 1999 Mazda Miata looks like when fitted with the Dodge Challenger Hellcat’s supercharged V8 engine.
Barrett-Jackson
Classic car auctions are usually a mixed bag of vehicular goodies. Take the upcoming Barrett Jackson event to be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and casino in Las Vegas October 3-5 for instance. In addition to an array of autos that stretch the definition of what is a classic car (i.e. a 2005 Audi A4 convertible), there are some bona fide rarities.
Among the cars going under the hammer is a 1989 Chrysler Maserati TC Convertible, a 1926 Chevrolet Custom Speedster, a 1950 GMC “Chuck Wagon” custom pickup, a 1977 Volkswagen Bus customized as a rolling Xbox video game den, a 1976 Austin Mini, and a 1957 MGA Roadster. There’s also Richard Prior’s 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280CE, Frank Sinatra’s 1994 Mercedes E420, Shaquille O’Neal’s 2004 Mercedes CLK500, Bill Bixby’s 1992 GMC Typhoon SUV, Nicholas Cage’s 1957 Chevy Bel Air, and Liberace’s 1983 Bremen Sebring.
But perhaps the most interesting vehicle going up for auction in Las Vegas next week is a true one-of-a-kind custom creation. The car in question is a 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata in Tangelo Orange that’s fitted with the rip-roaring supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that’s otherwise powers the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. That’s 707 raging horsepower driving the rear wheels in a car that otherwise leveraged 140 horses. While the engine fits between the front wheels, the hood had to be opened up to accommodate the intake manifold and supercharger.
Of course, the engine swap isn’t the only modification made to the Miata. It’s also received an all-new suspension from V8 Roadsters, Wildwood brakes, a Sparco steering wheel and seats, a BSI roll cage, and new Konig wheels, among its many mechanical upgrades. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission. You can watch a YouTube video chronicling its creation here.
As for its value, there’s nothing out there to compare it with, which is probably why it’s being auctioned with no reserve. If you’re looking to both turn heads and snap necks, the bidding commences on October 3.
