2024 Dowsetts Tipo 184

As an admirer of both Fangio and the Alfa Romeo 158, the seller couldn’t resist the chance to add this single-seater to his garage – and once he’d made the decision to buy one, he chose to have ‘X795 SCY’ built by the same folk who’d designed it.

The build took the firm a little over 12 months, utilising a Mazda MX-5 NB-series with 108,000 miles as the donor. The engine was thoroughly overhauled before being fitted and, of course, everything else was meticulously checked before being installed.

It’s now correctly registered as a Dowsetts Tipo 184 and because the registration date was 2024, it isn’t even due its first MoT yet.

The wire wheels, painted not chromed of course and retained with centre-lock hubs, are in an excellent condition but then the whole car is still in a fabulous condition because it’s new and has only covered a thousand or so dry miles since being completed.

Those tall and skinny wire wheels are fitted with equally tall and skinny crossply Blockley tyres, with 5.50-16 on the front and only slightly wider 6.50-16 on the rear. All are still pretty much still like new.

The 1930’s Grand Prix car illusion is furthered by a Brooklands aeroscreen, a yellow-and-blue nose band, and while the open-wheel design and lack of headlights and indicators mark this as a track-focussed sportscar, the Tipo 184 is fully road legal and returning it to that specification wouldn’t be too onerous.

An alloy fuel filler gives access to the racing-spec fuel cell, a front towing eye has been fitted, the rear light is an unobtrusive LED jobbie, and the numberplate is held in place with a natty bracket.

Vitatoni mirrors are incorporated into the bodywork, eight exhaust pipes (four of them false) peek out from under the bonnet, and four stainless-steel springs retain the bonnet, a bonnet whose louvres took Dowsetts three whole days to cut.

The allen-headed fasteners that retain the body panels are A2 stainless-steel too, so they should stay looking this good for a long time yet.

Indeed, this attention to detail is typical of the whole and our overall impression is of a very well finished motorcar that maintains a convincing illusion of being considerably older than it actually is.

Speaking of which, the huge vintage-style, four-spoke, wood-rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel is joined by a short-shift gearchange for the five-speed Mazda gearbox that repositions it from between your legs to your right-hand side.

There’s a battery isolation switch in there too, plus a push-button starter, and an MSA-spec roll-cage that forms part of the tubular spaceframe chassis.

Safety is further enhanced by way of a headrest and a six-point harness from TRS that complement the period-style racing bucket seat.

This is an approach we like, while the prominence of the roll-cage might spoil the car’s lines a little, if you insist on period-correct safety equipment then you run the risk of also getting period-correct accident injuries.

In this vein, there’s also a heatshield on the exhaust, which is equally sensible; after all, a burn from an exhaust pipe did for legendary Bentley Boy Sir Tim Birkin – and if Gods aren’t immune, you probably aren’t either.

While we’re on the subject of being mere mortals, as none of us are getting any younger you’ll be grateful for the Dickey seat step that’s mounted on the nearside of the cockpit, a fitting that makes getting in and out of such a low-slung car easier than it would otherwise be.

As for whether you’ll fit in it, Dowsetts say the driving position is suitable for anyone up to 6’ 3” including a helmet. Generous proportions then that should cover most of us.

The MX-5’s instrumentation has been retained a part of the plug ‘n’ play build process, but that’s okay because it suits the car’s aesthetic pretty well.

Speaking of the car’s modest underpinnings, the Tipo 184 uses the Mazda’s front and rear subframes in their entirety, bolting straight on with just six and eight bolts respectively. This not only simplifies the build process, it also makes ongoing maintenance or future upgrades to the suspension and drivetrain more straightforward than a more bespoke solution.

It’s the same with the engine and gearbox, which slot straight in and connect to the rear axle with a Dowsett-supplied propshaft – and given the MX-5’s pedal box is already split, mounting it either side of the central transmission tunnel was a doddle.

Petrol is contained within a proper racing-spec fuel cell, and while exterior lights are not currently fitted, the wiring loom is there to accommodate them should you want to fit them.

This is a very well-engineered and carefully thought-out car.

Speaking of which, as you’d expect of a recently fettled MX-5 engine, it fires into life with enthusiasm, idles solidly, revs nicely, and has a good exhaust note.

As for its cosmetic condition, it’s still practically a new car so everything is spot-on – but if you doubt us, please feel free to make an appointment to pop along to take a look in person. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the history file includes detailed invoices from Dowsetts, the IVA paperwork, and the DVLA registration form.

The car also comes with a V5C in the seller’s name that shows he is the first registered UK keeper – and as a 2024 car, its first MoT is not yet due.

The price of the full kit is currently £38,000 + VAT, which makes our estimate of between £35,000 and £45,000 for this fully completed, turn-key example feel like something of a bargain, especially when you learn the seller’s investment starts with the number eight…

Yes, if you enjoy being on a waiting list and/or building your own then you’ll be missing out on a couple of years of fun but everyone else will rejoice in being able to buy one they can jump into and use straight way.

Because, meticulous man that he is, the seller has put around a thousand careful, fair-weather miles on it in order to run it in and shakedown any post-build teething problems, an act of consideration that’s left it fighting fit and ready to thrill its new owner this summer on the road and track.

The seller is aware of only one other in the UK too, so it’s got rarity on its side as well as stunning looks, reliability, and accessible performance.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.