A Retro Body With Next-Gen MX-5 Underpinnings Make This Quirky New Car A Petrolhead's Dream

If you're in the business of making sports cars, using an MX-5 as a base is a very good place to start. That's exactly what Huet Brothers is doing with its new car, the HB Coupe.

Its retro cool exterior will be perched atop the new SkyActiv MX-5 chassis, which is due to be released next year. Its overall proportions are distinctly classic, meaning it's definitely a good looking car. It even comes complete with Bugatti-esque logos.

The brothers have so far taken 21 orders, but they need 40 before they can enter production. There are three models available; Classic, Road Racer and the track-only RACE. All three have a full carbonfibre monocoque structure that helps bring the weight below a tonne, with the RACE model getting a roll cage and fuel cell.

The Classic and Road Racer are available with a choice of two engines. The first is a 168bhp 2.0-litre four-pot that'll do 0-62mph in under five seconds; that'll set you back £55,000 ($93,000). The second option is a 2.0-litre Cosworth engine that makes 252bhp, sprinting to 62mph in less than four seconds. The price for this starts from £64,000 ($108,000).

With looks and underpinnings as good as these, we're truly hoping that this venture comes to fruition - a super-lightweight retro racer is something we will always have time for.