The MX5 Donor Car

Over a million MX5’s have been sold since 1989, they have excellent dynamics and bullet proof reliability. You don’t see them in scrap yards so you can sell the parts you’re not going to use for more than it cost for the whole car! Opt for a 1.6 (120bhp), or 1.8 (131bhp).

MK1, MK2 or 2.5. The best bargains are MOT failures in the autumn. Always lots on Ebay. The sale of the parts you don’t need can make a massive difference to the cost of your Exocet. MX5 spares are always in high demand but sell for higher prices in the spring and summer and fetch more if they are removed, cleaned and have good photos.

MX5 donor parts include the front and rear sub frames, engine, gearbox, radiator, coolant pipes, calipers and discs/pads, flexy brake hoses (solid lines come with the kit), fuel tank complete with pump and sender, expansion bottle, all the suspension components, steering rack, steering column with cowling, steering wheel, light switch stalks, horn, side repeaters, brakes, transmission, exhaust system, wiring loom and engine management system, instrument binnacle, gear shift, pedal assembly, master cylinders, throttle cable, handbrake and cables, seats and runners, wheels and tyres (unless you choose grp seats or buy upgraded wheels), seat belts (unless you fit harness’s), filler cap and pipes. There are also lots of useful nut and bolts and screws on the donor, and don’t forget the boot trim, for the Exocet bonnet.

Your kit will come with a bespoke chassis, alloy floor, front bulkhead panels (these are folded and need trimming to suit) and front centre tunnel (the rear centre tunnel is part of the chassis), PVC side panels and rear bulkhead, grp front and rear panels, 4 grp cycle wings, 4 steel wing stays, roll of brake pipe, p clips, roll of edge trim, bolts, washers and nuts, to secure chassis to sub frames, and rivets for the floor. Even self tap screws are included! You also receive touch up paint, radiator grille mesh, a bonnet sticker and a smile!

The parts from the MX5 that you don’t need, for example, doors, boot lid, bonnet, wings, wing mirrors, rear light clusters, soft top etc. can be sold on Ebay, this can significantly reduce your final build cost.

Selling your surplus donor parts

We received £1218 for the un-required parts from a car we paid £710 for.

• Doors sell for - £40 each
• Front Wings - £45 each
• Fuel Cap Release - Cable £10
• Bonnet - £40
• Bonnet Release Cable - £10
• Seats - £400 for A1 leather / £150
• Hard Top - £400
• Soft Top with Rear Window - £100
• Bumpers - £70 each
• Roll Bar Hoops (if fitted) - £80
• Front Strut Brace (if fitted) - £65
• Door Glass - £20 each

MX5 the perfect donor vehicle for your kit car