hotbed for custom-made cars if Travers Clarke's Miata captures the attention of thousands in the US.

The custom-designed Miata MX-5 will represent Bermuda at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas next month.

Highlighted in the American Sports Compact Car Magazine in April and August, which also featured the Best of Bermuda Auto Show, the Miata has undergone several changes since the article.

At the time of the article the Miata was black. It is now burgundy with custom-built bumpers, chrome engine work, a super-charged engine and a painting on the bonnet.

The custom work was done by Kevin Busby of KB Custom Design who has an impressive Custom Built cream BMW to his credit already.

"The car was three months in construction,'' Mr. Busby said about the Miata.

"We custom-designed the front and rear bumpers and the paint job took three weeks.'' Mr. Clarke, who has owned the Miata for four years, said the car would leave today and be secured by SEMA until he and his entourage arrived in Las Vegas on the first of next month.

"I think we have a winning item, a marketable product,'' Mr. Clarke boasted.

Minister of Tourism David Dodwell, who took the car for a short spin, was also beaming at the thought of Bermuda talent being showcased at a major international event.

"This is an opportunity for young people to showcase their talent in a way that also benefits Bermuda tourism,'' he said.

The SEMA Auto Show will run from November 4 through 7 and marks the first time Bermuda has ever been represented.

The team representing Bermuda will consist of TC Aerodynamics, KB Custom Design and Island Detailing.