Demise of the Original FE3 Miata

Why start over with another FE3Miata? Because the first was a victim of mother nature’s fury.

On April 13, 2009 a large Sweet Gum tree fell on my garage crushing the first FE3 Miata. After it was uncovered, I cut the windshield off, started it up and drove it under our deck where it sat until the new garage was built.

Look under the tree trunk on the roof and you’ll see the tail lights and tag.

I did remove some of the parts susceptible to exposure. I also started the engine and ran it through rpm on a regular basis to keep it conditioned. Some of the red LE interior was salvageable, but the drivers door panel and dash were a loss. I may bring the interior over to a new car, but at a later date since the current focus is on the driveline. Though the car still started and drove it was for all usable purposes totaled.

Thickest part of the tree rests on the rear package shelf and trunk area.

 The tree landed on the A pillar and across to the middle of the trunk.