Spanish firm reveals latest retro-inspired Mazda MX-5

Hurtan Automotive has celebrated its expansion into the Middle East with its latest Mazda MX-5-based Grand Albaycin, the UAE-inspired Al-Andalus.

The Spanish coachbuilder starts with an MX-5 and then gives it a 1950s- and 1960s-inspired body. Hurtan says it also draws inspiration from the Spanish city of Granada.

Hurtan will only manufacture 30 examples of the limited edition model. The model will have an exclusive UAE-inspired plaque in the centre console.

The plaque features a nameplate for the Al-Andalus in Arabic calligraphy, the Emirati flag as well as unique changes to the upholstery.

The vehicle features distinctive double-braided stitching, inlaid trim on the doors, quilted leather upholstery, a chrome grille, vintage-inspired wheels as well as a pale metallic blue exterior finish that Hurtan says was inspired by the sky and ocean of the UAE.

Buyers can also customise the two-door, two-seater with a range of bespoke options to make each vehicle unique.

The vehicle is expected to have the same powertrain as other Grand Albaycin models, unchanged from those in the MX-5.

The base engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 96kW of power and 150Nm of torque, which according to Mazda has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.3 seconds.

There’s also a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 132kW of power and 205Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds.

Both options come with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Motor1 reports the vehicles are available for purchase in Spain as well as Germany, France, Norway, and Italy.

Hurtan has signed a partnership with international exporter Unique Cars Middle East, which gets distribution rights for the Hurtan line-up across the United Arab Emirates.

While there is no word on the price of this limited edition model, other models within the Grand Albaycin range start from €59,000 (AU$95,511) for the smaller 1.5-litre and €82,300 (AU$133,230) for the larger 2.0-litre engine.

In Spain, Mazda sells its base model 1.5-litre MX-5 Prime Line for €32,864 (AU$53,213) and its 2.0-litre MX-5 Exclusive Line for €38,474 (AU$62,297).

Hurtan isn’t the only company to use the Mazda MX-5 as a base for a brash, retro-inspired sports car.

Boutique Japanese firm Mitsuoka offers two: the Corvette-inspired Rock Star and the more British-themed Himiko.

MORE: Everything Mazda MX-5