Bob Hall Drives Wild Modified Miatas: Creator's Verdict

content: When the Miata Creator Meets Modified Madness

What happens when the father of the Mazda Miata confronts radically modified versions of his creation? We brought Bob Hall, the legendary engineer behind the NA Miata, to test five extreme builds that redefine "Miata Is Always The Answer." His reactions reveal what truly honors the spirit of the iconic roadster.

The Original Vision vs. Owner Creativity

Bob Hall co-created the Miata as a lightweight, driver-focused roadster. "We conceived it as something owners could modify," Hall admits while examining a slammed drift-spec NA. However, he clarifies they never anticipated drifting culture: "That only existed in car chase movies back then." His design team faced real-world constraints too—the original front spoiler was scrapped because shipping ramp angles would rip it off during transport.

Hall's design philosophy centered on simplicity and driver engagement, not chasing trends. Yet watching him test these builds, his appreciation for owner ingenuity shines through. "The wonderful thing about Miatas is people do what they want with them," he observes, smiling after drifting a welded-diff car.

content: Radical Builds Through the Creator's Eyes

Drift Tuning: Respectful Rebellion?

The first modified NA featured aggressive camber, a body kit, and a jarring welded differential. Hall noted the craftsmanship: "Coilovers are set up well... it's very tasteful." But he questioned aesthetic extremes, calling certain kits "over the top" compared to Mazda's original lip spoiler concept.

Driving impressions revealed his priorities: "Headers and exhaust system—that's all you need with these cars." His takeaway? Purpose-built modifications earn respect: "It's always the answer unless the question is 'Where's my water?'"

Fastback Experiment: Almost The Answer

Hall examined a unique NB fastback conversion with fixed headlights—a feature he originally advocated for weight savings. "I like it," he admitted, praising the roofline but criticizing execution: "The offset where it hits the body is too large."

He revealed Mazda's secret history: "In 1996 we made a Fastback prototype." Production versions were vetoed when convertible demand exploded to 5,000 monthly units. His verdict? "Almost the answer. Needs finessing but a good start."

Off-Road Monsters: Unintended Adventures

Two lifted Miatas provoked shock. A trail-ready rig with knobby tires made Hall mutter, "It's better than a Jeep... bleeding gums are better than a Jeep." The supercharged Baja beast with 35-inch tires left him speechless after desert runs.

Practicality vs. passion defined his view: "It's an answer to a question nobody asked... but way cool." He acknowledged the engineering: "Rad Factory built a monster." Yet his conclusion was nuanced: "Not an abomination, but I won't buy one."

Track Weapon & LS Swap: Pure Performance

The stripped S1 Cup racer with turbo BP engine earned Hall's highest praise: "Fantastic! This is always the answer on track." Contrastingly, the LS V8-swapped NB made him joke about "twice as many cylinders as needed."

Engineering insights emerged: Hall explained Mazda avoided turbo Miatas to protect RX-7 sales. But driving the LS car, he grinned: "Way cool... got to be an answer." His favorite? "The yellow Sunburst at the start."

content: The Ultimate Takeaway: Freedom Defines the Miata

After testing drift, off-road, race, and V8 builds, Hall's perspective crystallized: "These people have the biggest smiles because it's their car." He acknowledged every build validly expressed owner passion, even when deviating from his vision.

Essential Miata Modification Principles

Hall’s reactions suggest successful builds honor core values:

1. Respect the chassis: Weight distribution matters more than power
2. Solve real problems: Drift diffs or off-road lifts serve clear purposes
3. Execute cleanly: Sloppy body gaps undermine radical concepts
4. Preserve engagement: Turbo or V8 swaps must enhance driver connection

The Creator's Final Verdict

"Miata is always the answer" held true for Hall—even for the Baja beast. Why? These builds embodied the car's true purpose: accessible joy. As he declared after driving the track car: "What a great ride. I'm soaking it in."

Which modification path aligns with your vision? Share your dream build below. For more insights, watch Bob Hall react to wild Miata TikToks in Donut Media’s full episode.