Bauer
Ltd. Catfish
Bauer
Limited Productions, based in southern California, have recently released
information on their MX-5/Miata based roadster called the Catfish. With the
MX-5 being soooo common it’s easy to pick one up for what amounts to spare
change. For example the donor car for the Catfish prototype was bought for just
US$ 800.
Despite
requiring an MX-5 for the build, very little of the Japanese sports car makes
it into the final vehicle. In fact about all that’s used is the drivetrain and
suspension components. Bauer Ltd. even fashioned their own spaceframe chassis
for the Catfish. The MX-5’s carcass, bodywork and most of the interior can then
be sold on to help pay for the Catfish conversion.
When
designing the Bauer Catfish the team made every effort to keep the car as light
as possible. That means no roof, doors or even windows. It was worth it though
as the Catfish weighs in at just 680 kgs (1,500 lbs). That’s roughly two-thirds
the weight of a standard MX-5!
The
gorgeous bodywork of the Bauer Catfish was penned by Greg Tada, a
Transportation Design graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena
who currently works as a designer at American Suzuki. Inspiration for the car
came from a variety of sources including the Ferrari 550, MX-5 racing cars, the
Ferrari Rossa concept, and of course, a catfish.
At
the moment Bauer Limited Productions are in the process of finalizing the car
and getting the kit ready for sale. Final price (minus donor car) is yet to be
announced. It looks as if the Catfish kit will be offered in different versions
including a base package, as well as recommended and optional upgrades.
