> Scott,
> You are correct in the statement that no car has been developed in a vacuum.
> But my observation still stands: the Miata is nothing more than a
> replica/repro of the Lotus Elan. Yes, it's updated (it couldn't be sold
> otherwise), and yes, it's a neat little car. BUT.....MG's tried hard to make
> large improvements throughout the companies' existence; in short, no looking
> back. The Miata is a redo of a 60's car.
>
I think it may be overstating things to call the Miata a
replica/repro of the Elan. Place them side-by-side, and the
appearance is far from a "replica". Also, compare the number of
Miatas sold to the numbers of Elans. Like it or not, I think Mazda
captured something with the Miata, and it wasn't necessarily stolen
from the Lotus. I realize that the Miata didn't have much
competition when it was first introduced, but buyers did have a few
other choices for small, open cars. (Cabrio, Metro, Capri...)
Scott
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