Although the Miata interior has a decidedly different look than the stock Mustang, most buyers like the comfort, safety, and modern conveniences that come with the new chassis. Aftermarket Miata suppliers offer a fiberglass hardtop that adds year-round weather protection.
The cars are being built in St. Augustine (Carnes) or Englishtown, New Jersey (Schoeller). The price for the M1stang conversion is $12,999 installed on your Miata. All Miatas built since 1990 will work, but the team recommends '94 and later because of the increased engine size (1.6L to 1.8L), along with larger disk brakes and a stronger rearend. Cars from '94 through '97 are probably the best buys and can be purchased somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on condition. Mileage does not seem to adversely affect the cars. Carnes' has 160,000 miles on his white and blue demo car and just completed a 6,500-mile trip across the United States with his daughter. The car had no problems, used no oil, and is untouched mechanically except for a timing belt.
What is the car like to drive? Schoeller and his wife, Debbie (as enthusiastic about the car as her husband), drive their M1stang everywhere and especially love to participate in Mustang shows. On countless occasions, Mustang owners have approached Schoeller, intrigued by the look of the car, and often say how they would love to add a set of those rollbars to their convertibles. Schoeller pauses for a moment, smiles, then says, "Wouldn't that make it difficult for you to get into your back seat?" Usually there is a long pause while the Mustang owner takes a second glance at the two-seat roadster, and then the barrage of questions begins. Find the answers to your questions at www.m1stang.com.
The Details
'65 M1stang
Owner: John Schoeller, Englishtown, NJ
The stock Miata convertible top fits the new body perfectly, giving the driver the option of open-air cruising or buttoned up with either the heater or air conditioning controlling the climate.
Engine
1.8L inline four-cylinder
Dual overhead cam
16 valves/four valves per cylinder
3.27-inch bore, 3.35-inch stroke
Multipoint fuel injection
Jackson Racing supercharger
Approx. 180 hp
Transaxle
Five-speed manual
4.30 gears
Exhaust
Dual-tip GT system
Suspension
Front: Independent double-wishbone, racing springs, sway bar
Rear: Independent double-wishbone, racing springs, sway bar
Brakes
Front: Stock 10-inch disc
Rear: Stock 9.9-inch disc
Power assist with ABS
Aftermarket bumpers, taillights, and chrome continue the camouflage, with Schoeller opting for a period-perfect luggage rack on the back. There's no need to stow your luggage outside however, since there is plenty of room in the spacious trunk.
Wheels
Front: Stock Miata seven-spoke aluminum, 14x6
Rear: Stock Miata seven-spoke aluminum, 14x6
Tires
Front: Coker Classic red stripe, P185/60R14
Rear: Coker Classic red stripe, P185/60R14
Interior
Stock Miata black cloth, air conditioning, power windows, factory AM/FM cassette stereo, driver and passenger airbags, full instrumentation, intermittent wipers, console, chrome dress-up items, chrome rollbar
Exterior
'65 Mustang sheetmetal panels, custom fitted and welded to Mazda Miata substructureDuPont red basecoat/clearcoat paint by Stacon Collision, St. Augustine, FL