OFFROADSTER

An unusual but respected approach to styling your Roadster; OFFROADSTER.

Via (@kenjimatsuda1975) on Instagram

While the average enthusiast tends to lower a car for performance and styling, applying a high lift to your Roadster completely reimagines the look and functionality! The car was already designed to be user friendly, but throwing on big tires and raising it just a few inches makes you readapt to how it performs. Personally, this is one of my all time favorite ways of kitting a Roadster. While I’m mainly in the world of styling these cars to have a circuit or cafe racer appearance, this type of styling reserves a soft space in my heart. It’s so freeing and against the grain to do something like this and to believe it’s been done for decades! I’ve seen all 4 generations with high lift appearances doing all sorts of fun adventures around the world. Right now Japan has the most volume of Offroadsters it seems like.

In the US we have Jimmy’s Offroadster NA he uses for hardtop camping, rock climbing, over landing and even daily use. While the aftermarket for high lift kits are limited, many resort to building parts on their own. Many parts on Jimmy’s car you can’t just “buy”, he made a lot of it himself. However he does sell a suspension kit on his website (jimmyhasnogarage.com) that can get you started!

Via (@jimmyhasnogarage) on Instagram

In Japan there is a high volume of Offroadster NBs, the most renown being Frog NB. A one-off, truly unique build.

Via (@offroadster_ichigou) on Instagram

Some work being done at Hirade Motors in Kitanagoya City - Aichi Prefecture; A company that didn’t have initial plans to work on Roadsters, but one of the staff members having one drew in the attention of many other owners. Now the shop does a lot of work on Roadsters and is one of the only in the area to be doing so. Providing original over fenders, body work, and other maintenance services.

One of my favorites has to be this NC by CarMakeCorns. It almost feels like the NC was made to be lifted due to its already awkward shape and height from factory. Being the most unorthodox of the bunch, you can fully enjoy it as an Offroadster.

Via (@carmakecorns) on Instagram

Lastly, the ND has been participating quietly in the lineup. Most owners being in Japan, the NDs continued the up-lifted tradition. While the resources are extremely limited for the ND, many owners tend to be highly skilled heavy machinery mechanics to build some parts not available. It’s so refreshing to see the tradition is still alive and will go further into the future.

Via (@offroadster2nd) on Instagram

Lifting your Roadster is not a requirement for camping with it. There are still a ton of Roadsters in the camp field without lift kits. Lifting it just makes certain areas in the field easier to access due to uneven, or unpaved surfaces. I believe the style of high lift kits derived from the early KG Works Rally-spec NA from 1996.

This one is a more sleek look than fully equipping your Roadster with lift gear. It still looks like it belongs on city roads while at the same time looking like an Offroadster. The look was inspired by rally cars from the late 70’s. So I believe this is where the idea began, seeing the NA on unusual surfaces and in conditions that are uncommon for the legendary Roadster, thanks to KG Works. The car still resides in Japan belonging to Kenji Matsuda.

Here are some more of the same and new cars with the high lift styling from various sources. (Via Instagram @alu_miata, @kenjimatsuda1975, @offroadster_ichigou, @dcuatrogallery, @offroadster2nd, @jimmyhasnogarage, @yasikineko3, @hirade.bankin, @carmakecorns, Roadsterbros Magazine)