The NM Concept Miata Dares to Go Bare!

Buckle up! Gorgona Cars decided the Miata wasn’t minimal enough, so they stripped out everything they deemed unnecessary and created the Naked Monoposto (NM) Concept. With no windshield, no passenger seat, and a drastically altered chassis, it’s a radical reimagining that pushes the boundaries of what a Miata can be. Is it a brilliant track toy or a step too far? Either way, it’s got car enthusiasts talking.

“Monoposto” translates from Italian to “single-seater,” which captures the essence of this wild project. Gorgona Cars’ barchetta-style concept (think small, open-cockpit sports car) puts the driver experience front and center, aiming to maximize fun by minimizing weight and distractions.

Origins and Background

The NM Concept came from a collaboration between journalist Omar Abu Eideh and engineer David Galliano. Over some drinks and lively conversation, they decided to take the famously light NA Miata and push it even further into extreme territory. Mazda itself toyed with a single-seat Miata in the NB-generation Mono-Posto Concept, so Gorgona isn’t the first to explore this idea. However, their version goes beyond Mazda’s one-off by starting with a first-gen NA and thoroughly reworking it to shave weight and add performance.

Radical Exterior Modifications

The most obvious change is the removal of the windshield. In its place is a sleek cowl, giving the NM Concept that classic speedster look. To further set it apart, Gorgona chopped the doors into “half-doors,” which supposedly add structural rigidity while exposing more of the driver to the elements. Meanwhile, the single-seat configuration seals off where the passenger once sat, replacing it with a body panel and integrated roll hoop. All of this contributes to a remarkably low curb weight of about 829–830 kg (1,829 lbs), over 100 kg lighter than a stock NA Miata. Yet, even with such drastic alterations, the NM Concept keeps the NA’s beloved pop-up headlights and familiar front-end shape, preserving just enough of its iconic roots to be instantly recognizable.

Performance and Mechanical Upgrades

Under the hood, Gorgona swapped the NA’s original engine for the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G found in the modern ND MX-5. That means a base output of roughly 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque, which is already a healthy bump over the NA’s standard 1.6 or 1.8. If that’s not enough, there’s an optional kit to boost power to around 225 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual (also from the ND) and an ND limited-slip differential complete the drivetrain package.

To cope with the added power and reduced weight, the NM Concept features adjustable coilover suspension, significantly stiffening up the chassis. Beefier brakes ensure consistent stopping power when you’re pushing the car hard. The result is a performance machine that pairs a low curb weight with modern MX-5 running gear, offering one seriously impressive power-to-weight ratio.

Interior: Stripped to the Essentials

Step inside, or rather, climb in, and you’ll notice there’s not much left. Gorgona yanked the dashboard, carpets, air conditioning, and even the center console. What remains is a bare-bones cockpit that more closely resembles a race car than a roadster. The ND’s gauge cluster provides modern readouts, but almost everything else is old-school, exposed, and raw.

A single fixed bucket seat, MOMO steering wheel, short-throw shifter, and manual handbrake complete the spartan setup. If you appreciate a track-focused interior, you’ll love it. If you need day-to-day comfort, you won’t find it here.

The Driving Experience: Fun or Punishing?

Removing the windshield changes everything about the driving sensation. You’re fully exposed to wind, road noise, and the roar of the Skyactiv-G engine reverberating through the open cockpit. A helmet is highly recommended, especially at highway or track speeds. On smooth pavement or track surfaces, the NM Concept feels razor-sharp, with instant cornering response and minimal body roll.

But it comes with challenges. Weather protection is nonexistent, so any rain or sudden drop in temperature becomes your problem. There’s also no second seat for company, which can be a deal-breaker if you like sharing the Miata fun. For many gearheads, however, these compromises are a worthy trade-off for the raw adrenaline rush it delivers.

Practicality and Controversy

Some enthusiasts are over the moon about the NM Concept. They see it as the ultimate expression of the Miata ethos, lightweight, focused, and driver-centric. Others argue it’s “too much,” saying it abandons the Miata’s approachable nature and everyday usability. After all, part of the MX-5’s charm is that it’s both affordable and practical enough for daily driving (for a sports car), which clearly isn’t the case here.

The price also sparks debate. Gorgona Cars quotes around $70,000 (or €70,000) before you even factor in the cost of a donor NA Miata and potential extra fees. That places it firmly in high-end territory, making it a niche toy rather than the classic budget-friendly roadster we all know and love.

Production Plans and Price Tag

Despite the sky-high price, Gorgona Cars plans to produce the NM Concept in limited numbers. Each build starts with a restored NA chassis, then piles on custom bodywork, the ND powertrain swap, and a host of lightweight components. For hardcore collectors or dedicated track enthusiasts, the exclusivity and bespoke nature may be worth the cost. But for the average Miata fan, the sticker shock and lack of everyday practicality might be too large a pill to swallow.

By stripping away anything that isn’t essential, Gorgona Cars has arguably created the purest version of an MX-5 ever, at least if you measure purity in terms of weight savings and unfiltered driving fun. On the other hand, critics can’t help but notice the NM Concept loses many attributes that made the Miata a global icon: affordability, easy top-down motoring for two, and an everyday-friendly vibe.

Is it awesome? Undoubtedly, if you live for open-air, single-seat speedsters that offer a race-like experience. Is it silly? Possibly, if you’re the practical type or value the Miata’s classic ethos of affordable, shared fun. Either way, the NM Concept shakes up the status quo and highlights the Miata’s endless adaptability. Projects like this keep car culture alive, reminding us that there’s always room for boundary-pushing, even if it costs a small fortune and a healthy dose of convenience.