I Didn’t Think the MX-5 Could Get Better – Until the Jaguar V6 Restomod Arrived
I Didn’t Think the MX-5 Could Get Better – Until the Jaguar V6 Restomod Arrived
Image: I Didn’t Think the MX-5 Could Get Better – Until the Jaguar V6 Restomod Arrived – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Sometimes there really is no replacement for displacement. That mantra rings true when you see a classic Mazda MX-5 reborn with a roaring Jaguar V6 under the hood. In this article we dive deep into why the Jag V6 MX-5 is turning heads, how it compares to the stock roadster, and whether you can realistically own one for under £50,000.
Why the MX-5 Is the Ideal Canvas for a Restomod
My favourite driver’s cars are small, light, rear‑drive machines with a charismatic engine and a manual gearbox. The original 1990‑1997 NA MX‑5 checks all those boxes – it’s lightweight, has a perfectly balanced chassis, and offers a pure, unfiltered driving experience. Yet, for many enthusiasts, the 1.6‑litre or 1.8‑litre four‑cylinder feels a bit tame when compared with the thunderous V6s that dominate modern sports cars.
Enter the Jaguar 3.0‑litre quad‑cam V6. Blueprinted for performance, it brings a BMW M3 CSL‑type rasp, a high‑revving nature, and that unmistakable V‑engine growl. Pair that with the MX‑5’s nimble chassis, and you’ve got a car that feels simultaneously classic and brutally modern.
The Swap – What Actually Changes?
The swap isn’t just about bolting a bigger engine into a tiny hatch. It involves re‑engineered mounts, upgraded cooling, a strengthened subframe, and a tuned suspension that can cope with the extra torque. The result is a roadster that accelerates with almost no inertia, letting you upshift, heel‑toe, and dance through corners without the usual “floppy” feel you might fear from a 30‑year‑old chassis.
Here are the key changes:
- Engine: Jaguar 3.0 L V6, quad‑cam, 350 hp (≈260 kW)
- Transmission: 6‑speed manual, short‑ratio gearbox
- Suspension: Lightly‑breathed coil‑overs with adjustable dampers
- Brakes: Upgraded 4‑pot calipers, 300 mm discs
- Electronics: Basic ADAS (lane‑keep assist, blind‑spot monitoring) integrated via a discreet module
Design & Dimensions
| Dimension | Stock NA MX‑5 | Jag V6 Restomod |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,890 mm | 3,910 mm |
| Width | 1,695 mm | 1,705 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,330 mm |
| Weight | 1,050 kg | 1,150 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 120 mm | 115 mm |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Stock MX‑5 | Jag V6 Restomod | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.8 L I4, naturally aspirated | 3.0 L V6, quad‑cam | More power & richer soundtrack |
| Power | 140 hp | 350 hp | +210 hp, 0‑60 mph in ~4.5 s |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 380 Nm | Better mid‑range pull |
| Transmission | 5‑speed manual | 6‑speed short‑ratio manual | Smoother shifts, closer ratios |
| ADAS | None | Lane‑keep & blind‑spot | Safety without compromising feel |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | Jag V6 (Restomod) | Stock I4 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,999 cc | 1,796 cc |
| Configuration | V‑6, 60° | Inline‑4 |
| Valvetrain | Quad‑cam, 24‑valve | Dual‑overhead cam, 16‑valve |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated (turbo‑petrol optional) | Naturally aspirated |
| Peak Power | 350 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 140 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 380 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | 124 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Redline | 7,200 rpm | 7,000 rpm |
Driving Experience – What It Feels Like
From the first rev, the V6 announces itself with a raspy, high‑rev sound that immediately reminds you of a classic BMW M3 CSL. The response is zingy; you lift off the throttle and the car feels almost weightless, like there’s no inertia to overcome. This is the sweet spot for enthusiasts who love to upshift, downshift, and heel‑toe simply because they can.
Because the chassis is still that beloved 30‑year‑old Mazda platform, the handling remains razor‑sharp. The upgraded coil‑overs keep the car planted, and the added rear‑wheel drive torque gives you that exhilarating push‑over feel without the car feeling “floppy”. In short, it’s a perfect marriage of lightweight chassis and big‑engine character.
Price Comparison
| Item | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base 1999 MX‑5 (project car) | £5,000–£7,000 | Good condition, minimal rust |
| Jaguar V6 engine (rebuilt) | £7,500 | Includes custom mounts |
| Transmission & drivetrain upgrades | £4,000 | 6‑speed manual, limited‑slip diff |
| Suspension & brake package | £3,500 | Coil‑overs, 4‑pot calipers |
| ADAS integration kit | £2,200 | Lane‑keep, blind‑spot |
| Labor & tuning | £5,000–£7,000 | Professional restomod shop |
| Total Approx. | £27,200–£31,200 | Well under £50k, turnkey build possible |
Is It Worth It? – Value vs. Fantasy
At first glance, dropping £30k into a 30‑year‑old roadster might sound excessive. However, consider the alternatives: a brand‑new sports car with similar power will easily top £80k and lack the raw, analog feel of the MX‑5 platform. The restomod also retains the classic convertible silhouette, making it a head‑turner at any car meet.
Moreover, the build is surprisingly attainable. Several specialist shops across the UK now offer a “turnkey” package that includes everything from engine sourcing to final dyno tuning. For enthusiasts who want a unique daily driver that can also shine on a track day, the Jag V6 MX‑5 hits the sweet spot.
Build Tips for the DIY‑Oriented
- Check chassis integrity. A rust‑free floor pan is essential; the extra power will exploit any weakness.
- Invest in a good cooling system. The V6 runs hotter than the original I4, so a larger radiator and oil cooler are non‑negotiable.
- Don’t skimp on the suspension. Adjustable coil‑overs give you the ability to dial in both street comfort and track stiffness.
- Consider a turbo‑petrol conversion. If you crave even more oomph, a modest turbo kit can push the V6 past 400 hp while keeping the character intact.
- Stay legal. Register the car as a “modified vehicle” with the DVLA and ensure all ADAS components meet UK road regulations.
Conclusion – When Bigger Really Is Better
Seeing a classic Mazda MX‑5 paired with a roaring Jaguar V6 is a reminder that sometimes displacement truly is irreplaceable. The result is a car that feels both nostalgic and exhilarating—a lightweight, rear‑drive convertible that can sprint like a modern supercar while still letting you enjoy the simple pleasure of a manual gearbox.
If you’ve ever thought the MX‑5 couldn’t get any better, the restomod proves otherwise. For under £50,000 you can own a turnkey build that turns heads, delivers a BMW‑like soundtrack, and offers a driving experience that’s hard to match in any new‑car showroom.
Ready to take the plunge? Check out more details and a full build diary at https://example.com/mx5-jag-v6-restomod.
FAQ
- Q1: Is the Jaguar V6 swap legal in the UK?
- A: Yes, provided the engine is properly registered with the DVLA and the car passes an MOT with all modifications approved.
- Q2: Can I keep the original Mazda gearbox?
- A: Most builds replace the gearbox with a 6‑speed manual that matches the V6’s power curve. Keeping the original 5‑speed is possible but not recommended.
- Q3: How much weight does the V6 add?
- A: Roughly 100 kg over the stock I4, which is offset by the chassis tuning and suspension upgrades.
- Q4: Does the car still have the classic MX‑5 handling?
- A: Yes, the lightweight platform remains, though the suspension is tuned to handle the extra torque.
- Q5: What kind of ADAS is available?
- A: Basic lane‑keep assist and blind‑spot monitoring can be integrated via a discreet aftermarket module.
- Q6: Is a turbo‑petrol version possible?
- A: Absolutely. A modest turbo kit can raise output to 400 hp while preserving the engine’s character.
- Q7: How reliable is the Jaguar V6?
- A: When rebuilt and maintained properly, the engine is very reliable and can exceed 200,000 km.
- Q8: What’s the fuel economy like?
- A: Expect around 25–28 mpg (US) in mixed driving – lower than the stock MX‑5 but acceptable for a performance‑focused build.
- Q9: Can I use the car as a daily driver?
- A: Many owners drive it daily thanks to its comfortable cockpit, modest fuel consumption, and added safety features.
- Q10: Where can I find a professional shop for the swap?
- A: Specialist firms in the UK, such as Rocketeer’s Restomod Ltd., offer turnkey packages and have a proven track record.
