We’ve seen a few unusual combo-pairings over the years here at Barn Finds, where someone takes two cars and blends them together, with some turning out nicely and others missing the mark entirely. This one’s a bit different in that it’s not entirely unique, as there are actually a few of these running around. However, the strange combination of styles is certainly unusual. What we have here is a 2003 Mazda Miata turned into a 1965 Ford Mustang replica, so if you’re looking for a guaranteed attention grabber, this one might be for you. Known as the M1stang, this one is presently turning heads in Virginia Beach, VA, and can be spotted here on Facebook Marketplace. This out-of-the-ordinary creation is priced at $26,900, and we’d like to thank reader Chuxk Foster for finding it and sending us the tip!
Bill Carnes might not be a household name to all auto enthusiasts, but some of our readers who are fans of the Ford Mustang will probably recognize him. Carnes apparently began his automotive career repairing original Cobras that were damaged during their voyage from England to the U.S. all those decades ago, which led to a lifelong interest in bodywork, followed by numerous restorations over the years. An avid Ford fan, he later decided it would be a good idea to take repro pieces for the early Mustang and fit them onto a more recent car. He teamed up with a business partner, John Schoeller, and created the M1stang, and the rest is history.
The objective was to use a more modern, reliable vehicle for the build, with the Mazda Miata being the lucky car that was chosen. The pair built a few and also offered body kits for the DIY crowd, but the seller reports that this one was assembled by Bill. The base car here is a 2003 Miata, which is stated to have a clean Carfax and 56,000 miles on the ticker. The panel fit and red finish appear excellent, and I’m not spotting anything that would lead me to believe this is anything other than a high-quality transformation.
In contrast to the classic exterior vibe, the interior is considerably more up to date, with plenty of nice features, such as power windows, door locks, cruise control, and the factory Mazda entertainment system, which includes both a cassette and a CD player. The red and black seats look comfortable and inviting, and the steering wheel logo helps keep the driver aware that this one looks more like a vintage Mustang outside, to the many heads it’s sure to turn.
Mazda used a 1.8-liter inline-4 on the 2003 Miata, and it’s still providing the power here, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine bay appears just as clean as the rest of the car, and if you’re digging the concept here, this 2003 Mazda/Mustang is probably about as good as any M1stang you’re likely to find. As I continue to stare, this one’s starting to grow on me, and I’m curious to hear what our readers have to say. What are your thoughts on this Miata-turned-Mustang?
Nice write-up on an interesting concept and clearly a solid build, but I wonder why Carnes & Co. wouldn’t have added a supercharger for a little more grunt.
Fugly!
Yes, the proportions are off. Same with most “rebooted” conversions.
Steve R
Not really Fugly but certainly the front doesn’t quite gel with the rear, however, I wouldn’t discard it if it fell into my lap!
Interesting concept, and appears to be well-executed.
But for the money I’d prefer a pristine OG Miata.
For that matter, I’d prefer a first-gen Mustang.
I have never warmed up to replicas, no matter how nice they are. The proportions seem a bit “off,” especially with the Miata’s soft top raised. And, underneath, it’s still a Mazda, despite the “289 V8” badges on the front fenders.
Might look better with the top down.
That could help dilute some of the Renault Caravelle/Floride feel to the car.
Oh God no, please no. Although I’m curious. Who makes reproduction body panels like that? You’d be better off just building a new old Mustang on a chassis that fits, if you have the skills, although the supply of rear wheel drive, late model donor chassis has got to be slim.
Who makes reproduction body panels like that?
I recall a company named Dynacorn making enough parts, that you could practically build a whole Mustang from new metal. That’s probably the direction I would’ve gone, but man, to have the skillz & tools to make build like this (even if I don’t care for the final product)? I wish…
A corvette mod to the miata might look better.
Barf & hurl…
the challenge is that the miata is a true 2 seater whereas the mustang is 2+2 … most of the proportions work but the top looks too far forward because of this…. just my 2 cents
Nope…
“Honey, I wonder why we didn’t get the invitation to the Ford cruise-in this year?”
ABSOLOLUTELY NOT!
Flawless build quality, so it might get the ask. I’ve seen these before, but usually they also swapped in a V8. Without that I loose interest pretty fast.
It would look more balanced with the top down, I’m surprised they don’t show it that way..
*lose
The answer to the question that nobody asked.
A company, I think was/is up in Oregon, made something similar to this, but making it look far more graceful as a Ferrari.
I remember seeing a C4 Corvette made into a P 1800 and I honestly couldn’t find anything to dislike.
you have got to be kidding me
I agree I would like to see it, with the top down.
In the immortal words of Nancy Kerrigan, Why, WHY? Also, the lyric “I like big butts and I cannot lie” Anyone who is even somewhat of a car enthusiast knows the proportions of a first gen Mustang. Using my go to source of emmings classified, you can get a Miata in good shape for about 13-20 k.
A good example of just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
WHY?
The best of both worlds, but not quite. Maybe the average of both worlds. Definitely would attract a crowd at a Mustang or Miata Club show. Price seems to be the barrier for most interested people. Invested value does not always equal to retail sales value.
I think that yes, the proportions are off. But, it is well done and this is a car that you most likely will drove with the top down anyway. Providing that the weight has not been too badly compromised, I think it is a cool daily driver. There are tons of engine and suspension goodies for the Miata. And the Miata is a great car! So a mix of great and iconic, in my book is not a bad thing. And if the weight has not been compromised, there is no way a stock ’65 Mustang would be able to keep up with this in the “twisties”!
The seller “Susan” has over 50 vehicles listed.
Early in my career, one of my bosses told me a cardinal rule of business: “The only thing worse than screwing something up, is to try to do something well that shouldn’t be done at all.”
I think this falls into the category of something that shouldn’t be done at all.
show up at Mustang club Saturday meetup and piss of all the guys….at least you won’t crash out leaving the event…
Unique, but sure to tick off both Miata and Mustang purists.
Don’t get me wrong… I love classic Mustangs… but this is a waste of a good Miata.
The Mustang II with a V8 is a better idea (289?) but I don’t know how many of those were made. This is a tough sell.
I vote for a re-name…”Mustata” and to please halt production!
I thought Mazda did that with the Miata.
I think if the white stripe was carried onto then fender it might help the cars proportions.
cant use this type of vehicle till retirement (need ‘workers’). By the time I put down the wrench I’ll probably loose the license to age LOL.
I take one of these IF in the FB copy. I drive solo, like the Miata (esp wheel base) but would not part w/the cash for this (vert & sorta ‘notch’).
Here we gotta guy (Smyth) been doin nice conversions for decades too:
https://www.smythkitcars.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_campaign=2967578978960391447
I saw a local Cherokee (conversion) so nice I thought Jeep brought them back rather than the ugly current heep pick up. Turned out to B 1a his. That’s how they made the Comanche back in the day (oem) anyway (’86/92).
Thanks for the link to Smyth’s website, I have often lamented the lack of a mini “ute” in the market. I’ll have to keep an eye out for a cheap Jetta now!
*lose
According to the original advert this car was silver. I think by painting it red they did the right thing.
A Miata body on a V8 Mustang frame structure sounds like more fun!
For the money spent building this Fankencar and a lot less effort, they could have bought and restored one of each and then could choose which one matched that day’s mood. YUCK!
I like it going against what most people posting here as saying I can’t get to that asking price but I think it would be fun to have.
It’s not the mashup we need, it’s the mashup we deserve
On initial look, I hated this. Then, I looked again – closely and with an open mind. I then vomited and hate it worse.
I’ve seen a few other conversions like this. Early Vette panels on a late vette, 90’s Tbird with 50 Ford sheetmetal. Etc, It’s always the roof line that throws them off, and this one suffers the same problem.
As a former Mustang and Miata owner I guess I am who this is supposed to appeal to. But no, just now. I do applaud the builder’s ability to pull this Frankencar off (I could not do it), but the proportions are really goofy as others have said.
So they will make a check out to me in the amount of $26900 and I just take the car off their hands? I certainly wouldn’t pay for this monstrosity!
As we would say in Minnesota USA…UFF-DA!!!
Recently on a Jaguar social media page someone posted a drawing of a DType Jag over a Miata chassis. It’s the identical wheelbase. It was a lot better than this. The only serious difference is of course the doors. If someone with experience, money and time manufactured the kit, I for one would be in line.
At least it is a stick.
The Miata is a great base for a transformation car. I have seen a BMW 2002 body grafted to a Miata and it came out great. My brother (20 years ago) took a Morris Minor body and grafted it to a Miata donor. It also came out great and was a blast to drive(pictured). It looks like a basic Morris Minor but the underneath is total Miata! The article is still on the web if you care to see it……. This project…. I don’t get! It looks like a Mustang with a funky top! There was a ton of work and creativity put into it, however not my ‘cup o’ tea”! Alas…. my brother’s health is failing and this neat little car has gone into disrepair….. It should be revived by someone in the NJ area. I live in Vermont now so it is impractical for me…. Reach out if interested….