by Before you is Odd Rod – a Mazda MX-5 that has undergone radical changes: it received a Ford V8 engine and lost most of its original parts.
This car became the hero of an episode of the show Top Gear: American Tuned with Rob Dahm.
Despite over $100,000 invested in parts and labor, the owner is asking $37,500 for it.
In the modern world, where ordering a pizza by text is easier than exchanging a word with a neighbor, handcrafted work takes on special significance. Although communication has become easy, a genuine connection between people requires effort.
For Tommy Reichelderfer, such a connection became Odd Rod – a unique car that embodies his passion for engineering, design, and the automotive community. After more than a decade of work, he has decided to sell his project.
The name Odd Rod perfectly matches the appearance of this car. It is based on a first-generation Mazda MX-5. Reichelderfer started the project while working in a shop specializing in V8 engines. Being a mechanic by trade, he gradually mastered all the necessary skills to create the perfect car.
The result is a car almost entirely created by Tommy’s hands. Except for the louvers, every element was made by him personally. This applies to the Ford V8 engine with transparent valve covers, the TIG-welded frame, and the unique front bumper. The headlights, radiator grille, and canards demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship.
The car received serious modifications: a Tremec five-speed manual transmission, six-piston front Wilwood brakes, four-piston rear Wilwood brakes, BC coilovers, and suspension components from .
In 2022, reported that this car develops over 450 horsepower (335 kW). With a weight of just 971 kg (with 38 liters of fuel), it has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.213. For comparison, the Bugatti Veyron has a figure of about 0.24. It is a real projectile.
The price of Odd Rod is $37,500 – a significant amount, but the scale of the work done should be considered. According to Tommy, over $100,000 has been invested in the project. He is even willing to sell the car without the powertrain if the buyer wants to install their own. It’s expensive, but impressive.
