I'm originally from Australia where I wad all sorts of cars including a lotus 7 replica. Now I'm in New Jersey and are considering building another kit car (exomotive) or something that has a Miata base. From doing some quick research i found its going to be quiet complex or near impossible to get registered and road legal.

Instead of getting a kit I was considering using the Miata tub and sub frames and building a tube frame body. So here's my question, At what point is the Miata no longer a Miata? Is it body panels? Is it doors? Do I need a front window? Does it have to look like a Miata to keep it titled as a Miata? I will add lights and blinkers and all the road legal stuff.

Any input would be helpfull if anyone has had any kind of experience or tried this before.

Thanks.

 

Here in Kansas I'd just bring the miata title and receipts for as many of the parts used to make it as possible to an inspection station. They check it for stolen parts by admiring it from 40 yards, then they give me a piece of paper and new vin the county clerk will kindly register and title for me, for lots of tax dollars.

If I were to ever buy one, I'd just stick the miata tag on it and drive.

 

Titling a kit car in NJ isn't as daunting a task as you think. Main thing is to have bill of sale for the parts (main things engine/trans/etc).

If you're buying a donor car just get BOS + title and your most of the way there.

The seller of the kit (Exomotive you mentioned, or FM) will be able to help you through it.

In a lot of states it can be a PITA getting the vehicle 'safety' inspections (in some cases several weeks in advance for an appt.).

But people do it all the time.

 

Yep, call your dmv and ask what your state/city/county requires. It differs from place to place

 

IMO, so long as there is a place to put the vin, it's still a miata.

 

I was thinking the same thing, if the vin is still in same location it's still a Miata. I did do some google searches for NJ kit car registration and mostly found PITA stories of guys with cars like factory 5 kits with modified engines. I guess the cars will be treated like new out of the factory cars even with 90's engines. Lots of say cobra kit cars for sale are getting sold as mid 60's cars even with fully built modern day EFI engines.