[Spits] Spitfire acestry in the Miata?

[s1500]

Randomly found this quote:

"It has not been forgotten, of course. Aside from still having many fans the world over, the Spitfire was a major inspiration for
  Mazda's MX-5 Miata a decade later. Mazda even used a Spitfire body for stealth development testing of the Miata chassis -- a literal
fitting tribute to the TR's endearing little sister."

Is this true? If so, fascinating!