For the uninitiated, the name Dutton is synonymous with the golden age of the British kit car industry. In the 1970s and 80s, Tim Dutton-Woolley wasn’t just a manufacturer; he was the “Grandmaster,” heading the world’s largest kit car firm by volume. After a decades-long detour into the world of amphibious vehicles—crossing the English Channel and building cars that double as boats—Tim Dutton has returned to his roots.
The result is the Phaeton 5, a modern reimagining of his most famous roadster, now built on the bones of the world’s favorite sports car: the Mazda MX-5.
Evolution, Not Just Nostalgia
The original Phaeton was a staple of the 1980s, typically powered by the humble Ford Escort. It was light, raw, and accessible. However, the world has changed since 1989. We’ve grown taller, we’ve grown accustomed to reliability, and we’ve certainly grown fond of a car that doesn’t require a blood sacrifice to start on a cold morning.
The Phaeton 5 addresses this by utilizing the Mk3 (NC) Mazda MX-5 (produced between 2005 and 2015) as its donor. Why the NC? It offers a stiff chassis, a superb multi-link rear suspension, and modern safety features like ABS—all while remaining affordable on the used market.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Donor Vehicle | Mazda MX-5 Mk3 (NC) |
| Engine | 1.8L (124hp) or 2.0L (160hp) |
| Weight | Approx. 730kg (1,600 lbs) |
| Power-to-Weight | ~220 bhp/tonne (with 2.0L engine) |
| Gearbox | 5 or 6-speed Manual |
| Body Material | High-quality GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) |
The Build: Simplicity by Design
The brilliance of the Phaeton 5 lies in its simplicity. Tim Dutton’s philosophy has always been about making the dream of building a car achievable for the “average Joe” with a set of spanners.
The kit consists of a fully assembled body tub and a multi-tubular steel space frame that come pre-bolted together. Unlike some kits that require months of fiberglass trimming and panel beating, the Phaeton 5 is designed so that the rolling chassis can be built up in remarkably short order.
One of the most appealing aspects for the budget-conscious builder is the “money back” potential. By purchasing a donor MX-5, you use the engine, gearbox, differential, wiring, and interior switchgear. You can then sell off the remaining Mazda body panels, lights, and soft top. It is estimated that builders can recoup around £1,000, significantly offsetting the initial kit cost of £9,990.
On the Road: Lightweight Purity
The Mazda MX-5 is already a legendary handling machine, but the Phaeton 5 takes that DNA and strips away the “fat.” By shedding nearly half the weight of the original donor car, the performance is transformed.
- Acceleration: With only 730kg to move, the 160hp 2.0-liter engine feels explosive. It provides a raw, wind-in-your-hair experience that modern super-insulated sports cars simply cannot match.
- Handling: The kit includes Gaz adjustable coil-overs and Faulkner racing springs as standard. This allows the driver to tune the ride height and damping to their specific preference, whether they want a compliant Sunday cruiser or a focused track-day weapon.
- Comfort: Recognizing that modern drivers are larger than their 1970s counterparts, the Phaeton 5 features a significantly larger cockpit. It even retains the MX-5’s heated leather seats, proving that “minimalist” doesn’t have to mean “miserable.”
A Splash of Color
The demonstrator model famously sports a vibrant Lamborghini Verde Scandal gel coat. This isn’t just paint; the color is impregnated directly into the GRP, meaning stone chips won’t reveal a white primer underneath. It’s a bold statement for a bold comeback.
Final Thoughts
The Dutton Phaeton 5 is a bridge between two worlds. It captures the DIY spirit of the 1970s kit car boom while utilizing the bulletproof mechanicals of the 21st century’s most successful roadster.
For those looking for a project that results in a unique, lightweight, and genuinely fast sports car without the headache of sourcing obscure vintage parts, the “Grandmaster” has delivered once again. It’s a testament to Tim Dutton’s enduring vision: that the best way to enjoy the road is in something you built yourself.
Leave a Reply