We’ve seen quite a few unorthodox off-road builds before, but one thing they all have in common is that no matter how unusual they are, they all tend to feature serious off-road modification. But that’s what makes this Mazda Miata RF all the more impressive as it was able to conquer Colorado’s Imogene Pass, a legitimate off-road trail, with little to none of that.
Probably the most impressive part of this Miata is that it rides on stock suspension. The only off-roading upgrades it features are Sparco wheels and 27-inch Falken all-terrain tires, and its only other modifications are a side skirt and fender liner delete to accommodate them.
See Also: This Lifted, AWD, Subaru WRX-Powered Mazda MX-5 Miata Is A Go-Anywhere Machine
Speaking to The Drive about the light body modification process, owner Joel Gat said: “[I] removed the side skirts, cut away [the] fender liner, and a little love with a hammer to clearance some metal on the chassis side of the wheel wells.” That’s pretty much it. “Oh, and Weathertech floor mats.”
And as for the reasoning behind this build’s existence? “I travel to a lot of mountain events and trailheads, and I prefer to have something fun to drive. What good is a fun Miata for 90 percent of the trip if it won’t take me the last 10 percent of the way, though?” said Gat in an interview with Grassroots Motorsports.
Read More: This Mazda MX-5 Off-Roader Just Sold For $3,900
“Off-roading a Miata requires a little finesse – and pre-walking river crossings to make sure they’re not too deep!” Gat added. “When I’m off-roading, I have to balance the need for momentum–because rear-wheel drive doesn’t have great grip–with the need to not slam the bottom of the car into every rock and hard surface.”
And as if this car hasn’t proven itself to be capable enough, according to one commenter on the Grassroots Motorsports article who knows Gat well, he’s looking to add a set of Fox shocks to the build.