You've Never Witnessed a Miata Get This Muddy and Crave More | Carscoops

      Auction listing presents a rare opportunity to purchase a fully modified off-road Mazda MX-5 roadster with street origins

      May 24, 2025, at 19:45

      by Chris Chilton

      A modified Mazda MX-5 designed for off-road use is currently up for auction.

      This first-generation Miata is equipped with a Paco Motorsports Offroadster kit.

      Additional modifications include a turbocharger conversion from Flyin’ Miata.

      The Mazda MX-5 is known for its versatility, adept at commuting during the week through harsh winter conditions while also excelling on track days and enjoying sunny weekend drives with the top down. However, one scenario the engineers likely never envisioned for the roadster is off-road capability.

      Yet, this model manages to do just that. Even though it maintains its rear-wheel drive, this first-generation NA Miata available on Cars&Bids is outfitted with numerous trail-ready components that allow it to venture where a stock MX-5 would never dare to go—unless it were being transported on the roof of a Jeep Wrangler.

      Related: This Elevated, AWD, Subaru WRX-Powered Mazda MX-5 Miata Is a Versatile Adventurer

      Originally a 1994 M Edition in Montego Blue Mica, the Miata, affectionately named Bajayata, now features a Paco Motorsports Offroadster kit, providing it with double the ground clearance of many SUVs, 31-inch BF Goodrich tires, and custom-valved AFCO Racing coilovers at each corner, complemented by TIG-welded fender flares.

      Zerek Fabrication has added front and rear bash bars, underbody skid plates, and a Track Dog Racing Hard Dog diagonal roll bar to protect the front and rear ends, occupants, and mechanical components. Additionally, a spare 15-inch wheel is secured to the SQIIRL MODS luggage rack in case one of the large tires suffers damage from a sharp rock on the trail.

      However, the modifications continue beyond that. The added weight from the wheel and tire setup would typically diminish the power of the stock NA’s 128 hp (130 PS) 1.8 engine, so this vehicle has been upgraded with a Flyin’ Miata turbocharger kit and a billet steel flywheel, along with a six-speed transmission sourced from a 2004 MX-5.

      The real surprise lies within the interior, where the owner has retained the original tan leather sports seats and carpets, rather than opting for bare floors and fixed racing seats. This unusual combination is likely to provide a more comfortable off-road driving experience.

      While lifted Miatas have been seen before, this one stands out as one of the more impressive examples. Although it may not appeal to everyone, it appears to be a lot of fun and aligns with current trends, especially as manufacturers like Lamborghini and Porsche develop off-road variants of the 911 and Huracan. Furthermore, it should be significantly more affordable than a used 911 Dakar, some of which have recently sold for over $300k. You can view the complete Cars&Bids listing here.