The Mazda MX-5 is adored by car enthusiasts around the world and in late January, a rather unusual example was sold through an online auction.
Journalists and owners have long praised the MX-5 for its superb handling dynamics. However, this MX-5 has been transformed into an off-roader that would make it perfect to take along difficult off-road trails and through sand dunes.
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The most obvious modification made to the small sports car is the fitment of massive off-road tires and a new suspension that increases the ride height. To ensure the MX-5’s new wheels fit, the owner cut back the wheel arches. While effective in ensuring the tires don’t scrape against the arches, it doesn’t appear as though much care was taken in cutting them. Function over form, I suppose.
Interestingly, the vehicle was auctioned through Govplanets that handles the sale of vehicles owned by those working in various government agencies, including the military. The listing provides virtually no details about the Mazda’s history, nor does it state how many previous owners it has had or what exact modifications it has undergone. Nevertheless, we do know that the car had covered 278,868 miles at the time it was sold so it’s obvious that the previous owner(s) drove it frequently.
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