We need cars like the Rocketeer: is an old V6-engined MX-5 the antidote to modern performance? (2026)

As the sun sets on another summer, casting a golden glow over the winding roads, a unique automotive experience unfolds. The Rocketeer, an MX-5 with a hidden secret, is more than just a car; it's a testament to the passion of enthusiasts. This creation, with its V6 engine, embodies a different kind of performance, one that challenges the modern obsession with excess.

The Rocketeer's Appeal

The Rocketeer is a car for those who appreciate the raw, unadulterated joy of driving. It's not about flashy carbon fiber or exotic features; it's about the pure, unfiltered experience. With 325bhp, proper suspension, and a manual transmission, it offers a driving experience that's energetic, progressive, and, most importantly, accessible.

A Journey Through Motorsport

Our journey with the Rocketeer takes us from the youngest motorsport facility in the UK, Manston Raceway Park, to the oldest, Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb. At Manston, drag racing is brought to the masses, offering an affordable and inclusive racing experience. Paul Marston, a drag racing veteran, manages Manston with a passion for taking racing off the streets and onto the strip.

The Rocketeer fits right into this environment, offering a similar distillation of fun. It's fast, but not excessive, and its accessibility makes it a gateway drug to the world of motorsport. From there, we move on to Shelsley Walsh, where the Rocketeer truly shines.

The Essence of Motorsport

Shelsley Walsh, with its rich history, rewards precision and confidence. The Rocketeer, with its responsive nature and compact size, excels here. It's a reminder that sometimes the most satisfying experiences are the simplest and most affordable. In an era of glitz and glamour in motorsport, Shelsley Walsh and the Rocketeer represent a refreshing return to grassroots racing.

A Vanishing Experience

As the day draws to a close, a sense of reflection sets in. We're losing cars like the Rocketeer, as modern regulations mandate an array of electronic features. The simple, curated experience of the MX-5 is becoming a thing of the past. The Rocketeer, with its key-and-go simplicity, feels like a Luddite's paradise in a world of automated efficiency.

A Different Kind of Performance

The Rocketeer's performance is not about sheer speed or torque. It's about an elevated driving experience, one that feels familiar yet faster. It's a car you can thrash without hesitation, enjoying every moment. In a world of rapid, expensive cars, the Rocketeer offers a unique perspective, a reminder that the most enjoyable experiences are often the most accessible.

A Call to Action

We need more Rocketeers in the world. Cars that remind us that summer can be eternal if we embrace the joy of the moment. The Rocketeer is a celebration of driving, a reminder that the best experiences are often the simplest. It's a car that feeds the soul, making it fat and happy with easily accessible, mental calories.

In a world that often overcomplicates things, the Rocketeer is a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the pure, unadulterated joy of driving.

We need cars like the Rocketeer: is an old V6-engined MX-5 the antidote to modern performance? (2026)
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