by Paco Motorsports Turns Mazda MX-5 into an Off-Road Vehicle
For four generations, the Mazda MX-5 has been praised for how it handles on winding roads, not for what it can do off them. Paco Motorsports has spent the last few years proving this car can be useful in other conditions as well. After transforming the NA model into something akin to a rally car, the same logic has now been applied to the current ND generation.
It all started with the Beachster—a lifted ND built for a client from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Later came a second car, named Simba, destined for Tanzania, where it is meant to serve as a daily driver in the desert.
Unique Approach to Build
While the Beachster was built at Paco’s facility in Northern Kentucky, the Simba’s story is different. Components were shipped to Dubai, where a local team assembled the car under remote guidance from Kentucky specialists. This is an unusual way to create a unique Miata, though, given its final destination, quite justified.
Off-Road Equipment
To conquer dunes, both roadsters received steel fender flares, tubular bumpers with tow hooks, additional LED lighting up front, side skirts serving as rocker panel protection, and a special rear luggage rack. Among the sporty elements are a vented hood, a trunk lid spoiler, a mesh panel between the taillights, and dual center-exit exhaust tips.
The main work is hidden under the body. Suspension travel has been maximized thanks to FOX shocks and special springs, ground clearance has been increased, and standard tires have been replaced with aggressive all-terrain rubber. The Beachster went even further, receiving an extended wheelbase to accommodate different-sized tires on the rear axle.
The resulting vehicles significantly surpass regular crossovers in off-road capability. The compromises are predictable: increased body roll, reduced acceleration dynamics, and higher fuel consumption compared to a standard ND.
Technical Details and Interior
Despite the Mad Max-inspired styling, both cars retained the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, which was retuned for sharper throttle response. Paco also installed a limited-slip differential from the related Fiat 124 Abarth, which has a shorter final drive ratio than the Mazda unit.
Both cars—Beachster and Simba—are built on the MX-5 RF version with a hard folding roof. The differences between them are mostly in the interior: the Beachster has black upholstery, while the Simba features beige.
Paco Motorsports told CarScoops: “The Beachster literally lives on the beach and has become a local legend on the island for both locals and tourists. The owner is a long-time resident who wanted something special to haul weekly trash to the collection point and grab a six-pack of beer on the way back. The extra ground clearance makes it ideal for the rugged and very steep terrain of St. Thomas.”
The Bottom Line
The cost of these unique cars has not been disclosed, but Paco’s program for the MX-5 NA gives an idea of pricing. The Offroadster kit starts at $4,999, while the more advanced Conqueror package is priced at $7,999. Of course, neither sum includes the cost of the donor car.
Interestingly, this tuning approach demonstrates the unexpected versatility of a classic sports car. While the MX-5 is traditionally associated with asphalt roads, Paco Motorsports’ projects prove that even a lightweight rear-wheel-drive car can be adapted for serious off-roading. These are not just a tribute to the ‘safari style’ trend, but real working machines for specific operating conditions, highlighting the platform’s flexibility and engineering ingenuity.
