Mazda MX-5 (NC) | PH Private Area

It’s easy to see why the off-road sports car has become popular of late. There’s the novelty, first off, the incongruity of a car that’s typically a low-slung corner carver being repurposed for mud-plugging. Then there’s the fact that these cars tend to be more fun to drive on road than standard variants; a higher centre of gravity, off-road focused tyres and squidgier suspension tend to create more of those sensations we crave for an engaging road driving experience. That there’s more than a semblance of off-road ability to them also only adds to the appeal – it isn’t just for show. That being said, the show is also great – people like you more in a Huracan Sterrato than an STO. Fact. 

The problem with all of these cars, however, be it Ariel Nomad or 911 Dakar, is that they cost an awful lot of money. The new Nomad 2 is from £65k, the 911 sold out at £170,000+, and they’re still not available secondhand for less than that. Furthermore, such is the excitement around these rough-and-tumble sportsters that they’re unlikely to decline in value anytime soon. Great news if you managed to get one, as it can be used without much concern of a financial burden, though not so good for those that want one. 

So how about a Mazda MX-5? No, seriously, look at this one. The work of PHer Nathan and 11 other mates as part of a stag do weekend a few weeks ago (beats an escape room and a Popworld, right?), it promises all sorts of off-road entertainment for a very modest £4,500. Rather like making an Atom into a Nomad, actually, the idea was to start with the least suitable off-roader that could be thought of for a sensible budget. Then, using the automotive expertise in the group, make it into something that could hold its own when the going gets tough. As can be seen, the plucky little Mazda is more than capable of that. 

It’s a proper job, too, as you might expect given everyone whole helped build it works in the industry. Built a few weeks ago and with very nearly a year’s MOT, there’s nothing to stop the next owner using it wherever and whenever they wish, albeit with what Nathan says is a very loud exhaust. Indeed with more than 120,000 miles on it and the time invested (Friday lunch to 11pm Saturday for a dozen people is a lot of hours) it’d be rude not to get more use out of the MX-5. 

The important modifications include a custom lift kit to raise the suspension by about 50mm, deleting the roll bars for better articulation, trimmed and seam welded arched for tyre clearance (plus arch extensions to keep it legal), high clearance bumpers and the 16-inch wheels on 27-inch road legal mud tyres. The very vocal centre exit exhaust is there to help with the departure angle. In its off-road adventures so far, the Mazda has more than kept up, with 240mm of ground clearance and great approach/departure angles thanks to the bumpers and short overhangs. 

You want a go as well, right? A bit like the Huracan Sterrato (honest), the off-road MX-5 is not a concept that will have crossed the minds of many. But once you’ve seen the idea become a reality, mud splattered up the doors, hanging out with Land Rovers and plunging into pools, it’s a very hard one to forget. For the price of contrast stitching in the Lamborghini (probably) this Mazda looks like offering up a huge amount of thrills. Just one thing if you do buy it, however – a Reader’s Car thread is mandatory. As soon as possible. Have fun!

Engine: 1,999cc, four-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 160@6,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 138@5,000rpm
CO2: 183g/km
MPG: 36.7
Recorded mileage: 123,000
Year registered: 2007
Price new: £19,050 (2008)
Yours for: £4,500