Mitsuoka Teases Retro Sports Car With C1 Corvette Styling, Likely Based on the Miata

Japanese automaker Mitsuoka, known for giving existing cars dramatic retro makeovers, has released a third teaser of its upcoming model, and it draws heavy inspiration from the earliest Chevrolet Corvette. The new images show a two-tone exterior with white sections behind the front wheels and along the side sills, plus a flat rear deck with a subtle center crease.

The taillights blend cues from different years of the original Corvette, with raised single lamps similar to 1953-1955 models and metallic surrounds echoing 1956-1960 versions. The teaser also hints at vertical exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper, a feature found on many first-generation Corvettes.

While Mitsuoka has not officially confirmed the donor vehicle, the rollover hoops and door shut lines appear identical to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and the company typically builds on existing platforms. 0-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The interior would probably remain largely stock, with possible trim and upholstery changes.

Mitsuoka has not released front-end photos, but a teaser sketch suggests round headlights, a pointy nose, and a prominent grille. The full unveiling is scheduled for November, with another teaser due in September. The styling fits the brand's earlier Rockstar model, which used a Miata as a base but paid homage to the second-generation Corvette.

This new car is unlikely to be sold in the United States, as Mitsuoka focuses on the Japanese market.