Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)
Text and Photos by Giancarlo Pawelec | AutoMotoFoto.net

It’s not everyday that you meet what I would call a true enthusiast in the scene, especially one without the common ride and add-on goodies seen at shows. Matt Lamphier is a clear example of what the heart of the tuning scene is all about. He is a young gun hailing from Deltona, Florida, USA and had his unique ride (this matte black Miata which he built) in the tuner section of Spring Break Nationals, with no need for sponsors or a crew backing him… a one man show.

Lamphier’s vision for the Miata was fairly simple, take an already great factory track-tuned chassis and tweak it while adding some much-needed modern style. The 1992 Miata went down a dark path in terms of appearance despite its “cute” appeal to many in way of a custom flat black chalkboard paint job and yes, you can actually write on it! The front end received a GYR lip, LED switchback turn signals, HELLA headlights, a set of Krypton 6,000k HIDs while the rear got smoked taillights with an LED light conversion.

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

The evil stance of this once mild-mannered coupe is thanks in part to a set of Raceland coilovers. Further suspension enhancements to tighten up this bad boy came in way of Energy suspension bushings and a pair of strut bars front and rear from Cusco.

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

Under the chalkboard painted hood, Matt cleaned up the engine bay and again only tweaked what needed to be done. The factory 4-cylinder engine produced plenty power, but lacked some breathing. Lamphier installed a MAF adapter intake system, OBX headers and 55mm Koyorad radiator. The bread and butter of the engine sits just under consisting of a custom 2.25-inch catback exhaust system that feeds into a titanium coloured turndown muffler, similar to the JDM-trend with top tuners.

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

Further tweaks for this dark pony included the deletion of the air condition system and power steering. Although most would consider Lamphier to be mad in the head, his reasoning is purely from an enthusiast point of view – if it’s heavy, it’s out!

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

Inside the cockpit, Lamphier faces a MOMO steering wheel and an NRG short shifter and shit knob combo. Saving his head from turning into a fruit bowl in case of a roll over, Lamphier installed a Harddog Version 1 rollbar system.

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

Despite what one might think, the chalkboard paint is an awesome idea! One day you can have something on your car, the next something else and despite what you might think, it truly is a matte finish making anything look sinister… and with good reason. Checked flag anyone?

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

The rollers of choice for the Miata are a set of 15-inch Stance Mindset wheels sized at 8-inches all around and finished in brushed gold. A set of Falken 512 tires sized at 195/50/15 provide the gripping action needed for this best selling sport coupe. Tucked neatly under the front wheels are Brembo rotors while a set of OEM rotors fit the back and Hawk pads all around.

Darth Vader: Mazda Miata (Matte Black)

So, what’s the best part about this Miata? How about the fact that it was all built by Matt Lamphier. At times, it is refreshing to see that no sponsors or endless budget assisted in making an enthusiast’s dream come true, instead… lots of elbow grease and persistence. As Matt puts it, “Thank you to everyone who has taken anytime in appreciating my hard work and my car!” – No Matt, thank you for building it!

EXTERIOR // GYR Front Lip / Smoked Taillights with Red and Amber LED Lights / LED Switchback Turn Signals / Glass HELLA Headlights / Krypton 6,000k HID Kit / Custom Flat Black Chalkboard Paint

INTERIOR // NRG Short Shifter with Shift Knob / MOMO Steering Wheel / Harddog Version 1 Rollbar

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS // JVC R610 Head Unit / Pioneer Door Speakers

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES // Stance Mindset 15×8 +25 Offset All Around / Falken Ziex Tires 512 195/50/15 / Brembo Front Rotors / OEM Rear Rotors / Hawk Brake Pads

SUSPENSION // Energy Suspension Bushings / Raceland Coilovers / Cusco Front Strut Tower Bar / Cusco Rear Strut Tower Bar

ENGINE // MAF Adaptor Intake / OBX Header / Koyorad 55mm Radiator / Air Conditioning Delete / Power Steering Delete

EXHAUST // Custom 2.25? Catback Exhaust with Burnt Titanium Turndown Muffler

SPECIAL THANKS // To everyone who has taken anytime in appreciating my hard work and my car

FUTURE MODIFICATIONS // LSX motor swap

More features at www.automotofoto.net.

Related Articles

Tuner Battlegrounds Season 12 Champion Crowned Tuner Battlegrounds Season 12 Champion Crowned
After months of intense competition, countless votes, and a showdown that had the entire community and staff on edge, Jordyn Brazeau has officially...
Celica and MR2 to Return? Celica and MR2 to Return?
Story By Lee BailieStop me if you’ve heard this one already—but yes, rumor has it that Toyota is contemplating bringing the Celica and MR2 sports...
April Event Calendar April Event Calendar
April 4th/5th - Formula Drift  - Streets of Long Beach    https://news.formulad.com/2024/fd-news/formula-drift-announces-2025-...
Riverside 10 - Chattanooga, TN Riverside 10 - Chattanooga, TN
Story and Photography by Merrick Harding The Riverside Car Show celebrated its 10th anniversary, known as "Rivers10e," with a vibrant gathering in...
TBG Season 12 - THE TOP 2 TBG Season 12 - THE TOP 2
After a nail-biting run to the top of Tuner Battlegrounds Championship Season 12 presented by LiquiMoly, we finally have our top 2, who will be...
Sports Cars Continue to Disappear Sports Cars Continue to Disappear
Story By Lee BailieHere at PASMAG, we have a soft spot for sports coupes and convertibles. Over our 25 years-plus we have enjoyed featuring them in...