Mitsuoka Rock Star

Do you know Mitsuoka? Probably not. The small Japanese manufacturer sells its models mainly in the home market and in selected Southeast Asian countries. These are rebuilt mass production vehicles from other Japanese manufacturers, which receive new body parts in the style of classic cars from Japan or Europe. Until a few years ago, they also produced their independent mid-engined sports car Orochi, in whose design a fish was the source of inspiration. Their latest project is called ‘Rock Star’ and is for the first time inspired by an American classic: The Chevrolet Corvette C2.

Like the Himiko, which was presented by Mitsuoka earlier this year, the Rock Star is based on the current model generation of the Mazda MX-5, which is called Miata on some markets. Nothing more than the doors, the fabric roof and the windscreen are left of the base vehicle. Incidentally, Mitsuoka celebrates its 50th anniversary with this angular, Corvette-styled Roadster. Therefore, a limited production of just 50 cars is planned, which are offered in the six paint colors ‘Los Angeles Blue’, ‘Cisco Orange’, ‘Washington White’, ‘Chicago Red’, ‘Arizona Yellow’ and ‘New York Black’. Technically, it remains with the Mazda four-cylinder engine and the choice between a manual or an automatic transmission. Prices for the tow-seater Roadster start at 4,688,200 Yen in Japan, which are roughly 41,000 US$.

Images: Mitsuoka