Spanish coachbuilder Hurtan rivaled Mitsuoka on eccentricity by introducing the Grand Albaycin, a Mazda MX-5 Miata-based roadster with a design that leans heavily towards the retro side of the scale. Car makers often frown on aftermarket tuners re-embodying their models, but this convertible earned Mazda’s approval.
Founded in the 1980s by Juan Hurtado, Hurtan specializes in giving modern cars that wouldn’t look out of place in the 1950s, and the Grand Albaycin is no exception. Eagle-eyed car spotters will detect the Miata genes by looking at the windshield frame, but most of the sheet metal has been redesigned. Squint, and you’ll find the front end is loosely inspired by the Jaguar XK120, built from 1948 to 1954. Swoopy front fenders are another visual link between the two roadsters, but the rear of the Grand Albaycin isn’t quite as tapered as that of the Jag.
Round tail lights and subtle chrome accents nevertheless accentuate the vintage look. 17-inch alloy wheels with a thread-like design round out the Grand Albaycin, and previous spy shots confirm that they can be ordered with a clear finish. All things considered, it’s a roadster that people will love or hate, but it won’t leave anyone indifferent.
While the body blurs the line between the 20th and 21st centuries, there’s nothing retro about what’s under the body. Hurtan kept the standard Miata powertrain. In Europe, this means the entry-level engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder developing 132 horsepower, while the upgrade is the trusty 184 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder sold on our shores. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission are standard, and the larger engine can be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. Hurtan quotes a top speed of 136 mph when buyers opt for the 2.0.
Only 30 examples of the Grand Albaycin – which is named after the Albaicín neighborhood of Granada, Spain – will be built in 2021. Prices range from 59,000 euros for a 132 hp convertible Heritage model to 82,300 euros for a Miata RF-based Bespoke Targa with the 184 hp engine. These figures represent approximately $ 72,000 and $ 100,200 respectively, although it doesn’t sound like the Grand Albaycin will be sold in the United States.
Across the pond, buyers can count on Mazda’s European network of dealers for parts and service. Hurtan told us that the Japanese company will not sell the Grand Albaycin directly to customers, but has approved the conversion so that every copy will be covered by the same powertrain warranty as a new Miata.
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