Fiat and Mazda may be two very different auto manufacturers, but they do share a number of similarities when you look at their back catalogues of classic cars.

Fiat has been the owner of Alfa Romeo since the late 1980s, although prior to its acquisition, it was responsible for the creation of a number of iconic sports cars, best known of which is the Spider.

Meanwhile, Mazda carved its own way to greatness with the Miata MX-5. This model has a similar ethos to the classic Spider and has continued to provide affordable two seater fun since its launch in 1989.

Now it has been announced officially by Mazda that it is partnering with Fiat to produce a new platform on which the upcoming MX-5 Miata and Alfa Romeo Spider will be based.

While Mazda will build its MX-5 over in Japan, Fiat has yet to announce the venue for the production of its own model. But the platform share will help to reduce the cost of development for both companies and should result in more affordable finished products.

Of course, you can always grab a classic Mazda MX-5 Miata right now and experience the range in its purest form.