If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Mathis S. Beritsveen and his 1999 Mazda MX-5, it’s that spontaneity can be a blessing in the automotive world.
Mathis, who works as a powerline technician for the Norwegian railway, cruises along Lake Mjøsa in his MX-5, a car he’s owned since 2020. But this is far from your standard MX-5.
Over the years, the 30-year-old has transformed the charming roadster into a roaring tribute to individuality and horsepower, showcased at the Oslo Motor Show two years in a row.
The story began with a chance encounter. While searching for a new and exciting car to spice up daily life, Mathis stumbled upon a cheap MX-5 online.
After exchanging a few messages with the seller, he made a snap decision and, within half an hour, was on his way to inspect it.
It was nothing like what you see in these pictures. It had significant damage and a lot of rust, and the winter tires were, to put it mildly, terrible. Most of us would probably have walked away, but not Mathis — he saw potential in the weathered and well-worn sports car and navigated it home on icy Norwegian roads, likely feathering the gas pedal to keep the rear in check.
Although the purchase itself was impulsive, Mathis’ inspiration for the build as it stands today was anything but random. In his search for uniqueness, he fell down the rabbit hole that is social media, hunting for parts that would make his MX-5 stand out, and the car received modifications as recommendations poured in and as his paycheck allowed.
The first stage saw the installation of Technic coilovers, a roll bar, and Sparco bucket seats. All were ordered at the same time, though only the roll bar remains today; the rest has been upgraded.
As the car evolved, careful planning became the driving force behind the build. Mathis proudly notes that he was the sixth person worldwide to fit a Krotov widebody kit — which is proudly worn as a badge of honor, showcasing his dedication as a trendsetter in the MX-5/Miata community.
The Krotov bodywork was installed over the winter, and during the same period, the car received a full vinyl wrap and some rust repairs. He was most likely the first in Norway to use vinyl sourced from Tinybotvinyl, and his MX-5 is the only one in the world with the Space Gold Blue color. No wonder, it also serves as a demo car for the vinyl company.
It’s safe to say this car can make even the most stoic car-hater do a double take as it passes by.
Even though the MX-5 already looks aggressive and refined, it’s far from finished. Mathis has plenty of plans for further upgrades.
With winter approaching, he’s set to install a hardtop he’s been on a two-year waiting list for, reshape the widebody panels, and overhaul the interior.
The Mazda MX-5 is famous for being one of the most fun cars you can buy. Even Christian von Koenigsegg has claimed it’s his favorite car. That said, it’s not exactly known for its power. If anything, evil tongues often point out its lack thereof.
Originally, the 1.8-liter engine under the hood delivered about 140 horsepower, but that changed quickly with the installation of a Garrett GBC20-300 turbo. A bit of forced induction added 100 wild horses, and now it sends 240 hp and 305 Nm of torque to the rear wheels at 1.1 bar of boost. Perhaps even more impressive is that this setup is fully road-legal in a place as strict as Norway.
Mathis’ MX-5 isn’t just a visual masterpiece; it has the power to back up its macho appearance. Although he’s not entirely sure how fast it accelerates from 0–100 km/h, it’s safe to say it’s much quicker than a standard MX-5, and he’s the first to admit that the turbo is his favorite upgrade.
Top speed remains unknown, though at around 180–190 km/h (on a track, of course), the front end starts to feel light, but the car still has more to give. With new aero and added downforce, he’ll be able to push the car even further, but even as it stands, unsuspecting rivals are left eating dust when the light turns green, and this car is well on its way to becoming a proper daily-driven rocket.
As mentioned earlier, the original Technic coilovers didn’t last long. They’ve been swapped for a set of ST XA coilovers, which give the car an aggressive stance. Destroy or Die upper camber arms were installed front and rear, and the entire suspension has been sandblasted and powder-coated.
Brake upgrades are on the horizon, but for now, EBC racing discs and pads do a solid job of scrubbing off speed before corners.
For maximum style points, the MX-5 rides on a set of Work Equip 01 wheels. It’s a staggered setup, with 15x9s wrapped in 245/40 Nankang AR1 tires up front and 15x10s with 275/35 tires in the rear, and it keeps the car firmly planted, even with the go-pedal floored through the corners.
Additionally, Mathis has invested in a cheaper set of Japan Racing JR19 wheels. The front setup remains 15×9, but the rear is 15×10.5 with budget-friendly tires, perfect for track days and some sideways fun.
The Sparco seats Mathis initially installed were retired long ago. Now, he and a passenger enjoy retro-inspired Cobra Classic seats. A removable steering wheel makes it easier to get in and out while adding motorsport vibes.
To complete the motorsport look, a hydraulic handbrake — powder-coated in gold — has been installed. This golden hue also adorns the roll bar, gear shifter, and spokes on the Japan Racing wheels. It’s all very cohesive!
The original blue carpeting has been swapped for black, and further interior upgrades are planned, including a better stereo system and soundproofing for improved everyday comfort.
Although Mathis does most of the work himself, he gratefully acknowledges the support he’s received from friends and acquaintances throughout the project. From rust repairs to creating a car with a unique look, it’s been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. And let’s not forget his wallet, which has certainly taken a beating.
I’d say it’s all worth it, though, as this MX-5 continues to defy convention and inspire a new generation of car enthusiasts. With a dazzling blend of spontaneity, dedication, and visionary planning, this turbocharged sports car stands as a monument to his passion for car modifications.
If you’d like to see more of Mathis’ MX-5, check out his Instagram. For those who want to see it in person, you’re likely to find it at various shows in Norway during the spring and summer.
Specifications:
Make: Mazda
Model: MX-5 NB
Year: 1999
Engine: 1.8L with Garrett GBC20-300 turbo (road-legal)
Power: 240 hp to the rear wheels
Torque: 305 Nm (at 4,700 rpm)
Boost Pressure: 1.1 bar
0–100 km/h / 0–62 mph: Unknown, but fast
Top Speed: 180–190 km/h (with potential for more)
