The JDM car enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for sports cars, have a soft spot for the Mazda MX-5. This nifty little car can be modified in all sorts of ways without losing its appeal. Whether it’s wide-body kits, flared wheels, or lowered suspension, the end goal is always the same: pure driving enjoyment. But for some, the thought of making their MX-5 “shine in the dark” is enough to set their hearts racing.
Enter the Mazda MX-5 “Kabuki Town,” an eccentric work of automotive art inspired by graffiti. This unique convertible is a collaboration between Mazda St-Michel in Belgium and local company Gisele Racing, with a little help from two contemporary artists.
The project is based on the MX-5 RF, as its retractable hardtop provides more real estate for the artwork. The vibrant paint job, reminiscent of wild graffiti, draws inspiration from Japanese pop culture and ancient traditions while paying homage to Mazda’s country of origin.
The initial design was crafted by Mexican artist Eric Lopez, while Belgian artist Boris Sandron took on the task of adapting and applying it to the MX-5’s body. The original artwork took 300 hours to complete, with an additional 100 hours spent on design adjustments, 100 hours on painting, 5 hours on sanding, and another 5 hours on varnishing. In total, over 510 hours of labor went into creating this rolling work of art, so the future owner will surely want to take extra care to avoid any scrapes or bumps!
This stunning artwork features the famous Godzilla monster on the hood, accompanied by a derailed subway train and a Japanese dragon along the side. Explosions, stars, and colorful elements fill every inch of the body, alongside kabuki masks that evoke traditional Japanese theater.
What makes this paint job even more special is its reactivity to black light. The use of fluorescent paint creates a glowing effect, making the dragon and explosions pop under the cover of darkness.
Under the hood, the Mazda MX-5 Kabuki Town is powered by the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine, the only option available in the US but no longer offered in Europe due to emissions regulations. This four-cylinder powerhouse delivers 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque, sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
According to the Belgian dealership, this one-of-a-kind Mazda MX-5 Kabuki Town will embark on a six-month tour across Europe. Potential buyers can make their offers, starting at $75,000.
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