The Mastrettas have some solid credentials in the arena of sports-car building. As a young man, designer Daniel Mastretta attended the polytechnic university in Milan, where he was instructed by none other than Enzo Ferrari, at the time a young engineering professor.
Carlos Mastretta Jr is an accomplished driver, competing in FIA World Touring Car, Formula Renault and Champ Car Atlantic Series. A GT4 race version of the MXT intended for European competition is currently under way.
Although it's been erroneously described as the very first Mexican-built sports car, the MXT was preceeded by those built by Dina and VAM, while Mastretta began producing kit cars in in the early 90s. The MXA and MXB in 1993 "taught them how to build sports cars" said Mastretta.
Daniel Mastretta mentions La Carrera Panamericana, the Mexican endurance race as one of the company's strongest inspirations. After watching the tiny European cars repeatedly compete – and win – in Mexico, the idea was born to produce a small and nimble car of their own to tackle the harsh and narrow mountain roads.
The MXT project began in 2006 and finally came to fruition as a prototype in 2008. Production began in 2010, with a planned 100 cars for the first year – which will increase to 500 if the hoped-for demand is there. Pricing should range between $60,000 and $65,000 US.
Impressed that I'd come back for yet another look at the hot yellow MXT, Mastretta waves me over, hands me his card, and promises I'll be among the first to drive the MXT once it's on Canadian soil.
Truthfully, I hope it's a runaway success, if only to spite the "lazy, feckless and overweight" Jeremy Clarkson.
Carlos Mastretta Jr is an accomplished driver, competing in FIA World Touring Car, Formula Renault and Champ Car Atlantic Series. A GT4 race version of the MXT intended for European competition is currently under way.
Although it's been erroneously described as the very first Mexican-built sports car, the MXT was preceeded by those built by Dina and VAM, while Mastretta began producing kit cars in in the early 90s. The MXA and MXB in 1993 "taught them how to build sports cars" said Mastretta.
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| Pricing should range between $60,000 and $65,000 US. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Daniel Mastretta mentions La Carrera Panamericana, the Mexican endurance race as one of the company's strongest inspirations. After watching the tiny European cars repeatedly compete – and win – in Mexico, the idea was born to produce a small and nimble car of their own to tackle the harsh and narrow mountain roads.
The MXT project began in 2006 and finally came to fruition as a prototype in 2008. Production began in 2010, with a planned 100 cars for the first year – which will increase to 500 if the hoped-for demand is there. Pricing should range between $60,000 and $65,000 US.
Impressed that I'd come back for yet another look at the hot yellow MXT, Mastretta waves me over, hands me his card, and promises I'll be among the first to drive the MXT once it's on Canadian soil.
Truthfully, I hope it's a runaway success, if only to spite the "lazy, feckless and overweight" Jeremy Clarkson.
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