Obviously, we love a good-looking car like the next person, but it is great to learn the back story of how this good-looking car came to be.
Here we have TJ Garard‘s 1995 Blue Pearl Miata from Phoenix, Arizona, from which we learned his journey of passion and perseverance.
How did you end up with the NA Miata we see today? Did you have something different before this? First car you modified?
“I had a 94 Miata before the one I have now. And about quite a while back, my wife and I (she was my girlfriend at the time) got into an accident, and it got totaled, we got a little banged up.. after the dust settled, I took the insurance check and got right back into a Miata and purchased the one I have still to this day. The first car I modified was a 280z, which was also my first car. I did some “bodywork” on it, and then it broke down. I didn’t know much about cars at the time so I had to sell it.”
What inspired the way you modified and styled the Miata?
“Drifting and time attack always have the best-looking cars, in my opinion. So, I took a little bit of both but was mostly inspired by the JDM drift car style. The low stance and shiny wheels are key!”
What were the most challenging aspects of rebuilding the car? Seems like you really did it all.
“I’d say the hardest part was finding the time to work on it. I also work full-time and have a family, so finding spare time to get things done was difficult. It doesn’t help that I live in AZ which makes working in a garage miserable, even with fans and swamp coolers. So, I lost tons of motivation during the summer, and most of the work was done in the winter. The only thing I didn’t do myself was spray the color on the car. I don’t trust myself with something that important.”
Are there any more plans for it in the future?
“I plan to turbocharge it next, but I’m taking my time with it. Gonna enjoy it as it is while I save up. Take care of some other smaller projects, like adding some steering angle and upgrading the suspension. I’d love to take it to the track and have some fun with it too. The end goal might be a k series, but that’s another story.”
Is there anyone you want to thank or give a shout-out to for the journey with the Miata so far?
“Shoutout goes to my wife for supporting my ridiculous hobby.”
MODIFICATION LIST:
Exterior:
-Custom Blue Pearl paint
-Custom chassis-mounted front splitter
-Custom splitter rods
-GarageVary rep lip
-Custom front canards
-Moss Miata turn signal intakes w/ custom lenses
-Garage Star heat extraction vent
-Aerocatch hood latches
-Rough Country LED bars, sleepy eye conversion
-Moss Miata side skirts w/ custom made extensions
-Front fenders are rolled/pulled and w/ custom vent
-APR carbon fiber mirrors w/ custom mounts
-Nue +40mm rear over fenders w/ removable hardware
-GarageVary rep rear finish panel w/ LED tail lights
-Carbon Miata vintage emblem
-Custom-made rear canards
-Carbon Miata GT type-2 carbon fiber wing
-All exterior lights were converted to LED
Interior:
-Full black interior converted from tan
-Corbeau Forza sport bucket for driver
-Corbeau Forza bucket for passenger
-Corbeau 5pt harness
-Grip Royal steering wheel
-NRG quick release and hub
-Harddog double diagonal 4pt roll bar paint matched to the Work wheels
-Revlimiter custom gauge faces w/ LED backlight
-Custom Camshaft weighted shifter knob from a Honda B-series
-PBM hydraulic handbrake
-Custom airbag deleted & flocked dash w/ vintage logo
-Custom “a/c” vents
-Custom door cards and radio block off plate
-Soft top delete
Wheels & Suspension:
-Work Meister S1 2p
-F: 15×9 -0 R: 15×10 -0
-195/45 tires (for now)
-ARP extended wheel studs
-Megan Racing Coilovers
-Racing Beat tubular front sway bar & adjustable end links
-R-Theory Motorsports steering rack risers
Brakes:
-Stoptech slotted rotors
-Hawk HP pads
-Good-win Racing stainless steel brake lines
-PBM hydraulic handbrake
-R-Theory Motorsports brake master cylinder brace
-Dot4 fluids
Engine:
-Rebuilt 1.8L BP
-Full wire tuck
-Ac & PS delete
-Custom carbon fiber intake
-No name 4-2-1 header w titanium heat wrap
-Custom header-back exhaust
-Mishimoto aluminum radiator
-Carbon Miata radiator cooling panel
-Custom tucked aluminum overflow bottle
-R-Theory Motorsports lightweight polished water pump and alternator pulleys
-Carbon Miata spark plug wire cover
-Carbon Miata aluminum filler cap
-Jass Performance aluminum dipstick handle
-Polished OEM intake manifold
-Custom painted candy red valve cover
Transmission & diff:
-5spd
-1.6 ACT Lightweight flywheel
-1.6 ACT 6 puck clutch
-Stainless steel clutch line
-Torsen differential
This NA Miata is more than just a car—it symbolizes perseverance, creativity, and passion.
From overcoming challenges to chasing dreams, TJ’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and a love for cars.
As this Miata continues to evolve, we can’t wait to see where the road takes it next.
Thank you to
TJ Garard for sharing this with us.
