Collaboration Project: Hisashi Nakade and 3DRX Design Lab, Mazda NA MX5 Miata Meter Cluster Surround

Original Designer - Hisashi Nakade, Japan.

Developer and Manufacturer - 3DRX Design Lab, Luke Drx, Australia.

Some months ago a friend of mine shared with me a stylishly crafted meter cluster that he had and offered me to borrow and digitally capture.

Upon first seeing it I was immediately taken by its vintage styling and alignment with the NA MX5 interior, in my 20years of MX5 ownership I had not seen this design. With no history on it I scanned the meter cluster surround and was exploring replicating it. I believed it was an older piece and wasn’t aware of its origin, whether it was still being produced, or who the original designer was.

On the global scale I received both support and challenge with this intent, and I appreciated both.

With help from the community the original designer, Hisashi Nakade of Japan was identified and I was able to connect directly with him. His handmade fibreglass versions are elegant and crafted with skill and care and are in keeping with the era of the NA generation MX5 miata.

After some great conversations, it was such a great feeling to share with the Mazda community that Hisashi and I will be working together collaboratively under a formal agreement to make his design more accessible to a wider group of enthusiasts around the globe.

In addition to his fibreglass versions, we’ll be working together to develop both RHD and LHD versions using 3D printing to support broader global availability, with manufacturing based in Adelaide, South Australia.

There’s still a fair bit of work ahead in modelling, prototyping and refinement - but it’s an exciting step forward and I’m looking forward to working with Hisashi and sharing progress as it develops alongside my other projects.

Stay tuned… I look forward to sharing his design origins when we release the first parts.

*Yes this image is AI generated for a laugh. 

Digital Scan of the NA RHD dash