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The Mirov II, designed and built by Brian Thompson, is a unique car born out of an ambitious, nine-year project that transformed a mock-up body shell into a fully functional, road-legal vehicle. Originally created as a prop for a Norwich Union television advertisement in the late 1980s, the Mirov started life as a modified M6 GTR kit car, developed from the American Manta Montage, which was itself inspired by Bruce McLaren’s 1969 M6 road car.
Thompson first encountered the Mirov after seeing one of the two models created for the ad campaign and was captivated by its distinctive Soviet-inspired design. Once he acquired one of the cars in 1994, which had fallen into disrepair, he undertook the enormous task of rebuilding it from the ground up, ensuring it met stringent government safety standards under the newly introduced Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) test.
A significant part of the rebuild focused on structural integrity, as the original body was largely non-functional. Thompson painstakingly fabricated working gull-wing doors, restructured the chassis, and ensured the car could withstand the rigors of the road. Powered by a mid-mounted 2.7-liter Renault V6 engine, the Mirov II features a 4-speed manual gearbox and delivers a lively performance, supported by a custom exhaust system and sophisticated cooling solutions, including a thermostatically controlled electric fan and cooling fins on the oil filter case.
The Mirov II also boasts advanced suspension and steering components, incorporating UVA double wishbone suspension at the front, adjustable AVO shock absorbers, and a combination of VW Beetle and Ford parts for steering and brakes. Compomotive FH 3-piece split-rim wheels complete the look, with wide 225/50ZR15 front and 255/50ZR16 rear tires for improved road handling.
Despite the immense challenges, Thompson’s dedication resulted in a beautifully balanced vehicle, weighing in at 1280kg, with a rear-biased distribution for enhanced traction. Practical features like electric windows, a small trunk, and effective weather sealing make this supercar more than just a showpiece—it's designed to be enjoyed on special occasions, blending aesthetic appeal with high-performance engineering.
