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 was featured in 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 via 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 this car’s appearance. 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 built by Tommy’s hands. Except for the louvers, every element was made by him personally. This includes 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 upgrades: 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 true 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.
