Retro-inspired speedsters have been making a comeback. It started in 2018 with the limited-edition Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 inspired by 1950s Ferrari racecars. Production is capped at just 499 units, each costing $1.8 million. Then McLaren introduced the Elva last year, a new speedster inspired by the M1A race car designed by Bruce McLaren back in the 1960s. Aston Martin is also building the stunning V12 Speedster. But what if Mazda made a retro-inspired speedster? Automotive designer Kasim Tlibekov has also been wondering what such a creation could look like.

Based on the first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, the artist has removed the windshield of the Japanese sports car, transforming it into a retro-style speedster.

There is, however, a small glass panel positioned above the instrument panel for the driver, but the unprotected passenger will need to wear a racing helmet. In some renders, it even has a red and white Marlboro cigarette sponsor livery that was a common sight in Grand Prix racing during the 1970s.

But the artist didn't simply remove the windshield and call it a day. Other modifications include a new aggressive front bumper, wide front, and rear fenders, large side sills, and a rear diffuser with a tailpipe on either side.

The ride height has also been lowered and the larger wheels give the Miata Speedster a racier look. Elsewhere, the headlights and taillights are outlined with stylish LED signatures to modernize the original Miata.

The artist hasn't said what would power their vision of a Mazda Miata Speedster. The first-generation Miata was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower. This would be feeble in a racing-inspired speedster, so the the current generation model's more powerful 181-hp, 2.0-liter four-pot seems more suitable. Will Mazda ever make a speedster version of the Miata? Unlikely, but Mazda has experimented with the idea in several concept cars in the past such as the Speedster Evolution that was unveiled at the 2016 SEMA show