CC has looked at several models from Japanese niche manufacturer Mitsuoka. For those unfamiliar with the company, they make custom bodies that go over an existing OEM shell, which they then market and sell. Engines and interior mostly carry over from the donor model. Though not all, a majority of their offerings follow a retro theme and mirror older designs, mostly from the UK. Their newest model the Rock Star, however, obviously draws inspiration from one of the colonies.
Mitsuoka was founded in Feb 1968 as a repair garage, formally established as a manufacturer in 1979, and its first model came out in 1982 – the “Bubu.” What’s a Bubu? Well, think of it as the Japanese equivalent to the British Peel P50, a one-seater micro car with a 50 cc engine.
Company founder Susumu Mitsuoka had higher ambitions though, and broadened the line-up with larger models. Their most well-known is perhaps the “Viewt”, a half scale Jaguar Mk II look-alike that resides over Nissan March running gear.
Their current line-up is composed of seven different models and includes underpinnings from Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota – the Rock Star was introduced last Nov.
As you might be able to discern, the donor car in this instance is a new Miata/MX-5, with the JDM model’s normally aspirated 1.5 liter SkyActiv four cylinder. Average Rock Stars sticker at $46K, quite a bit more than a Miata/MX-5 which starts around $26K. However, reviewers note that craftsmanship is very high, as most are hand-assembled. As a result, total production of all Mitsuoka models is only around 1,000 units a year.
If you live in Japan, and a C2 Corvette is just too hard to get or too expensive, there’s an alternative available if you’re willing to scale down your expectations…
Additional Info:
Mitsuoka Current and Older Line-Up
Curbside Classic: 2007 Mitsuoka Galue MkIII — Bentley/Cadillac Tribute Band Goes Off Key
Curbside Classic: The Japanese Retro Trial (2nd Witness) – Mitsuoka Viewt K12
Nice looking car, but it has the same problem the Fiat Spyder has. That Miata windshield is a dead giveaway to what lies underneath the bodywork.
There are about 40K ND Miatas in the US with that windshield out of about 500K Miatas sold and over 200 million cars on the road in the US. 95 percent of the people who’d spot that windshield actually own an ND Miata. .
This is nicely done. I presume Japan lacks bumper impact regs?
more likely because its basically a low volume kit car the rules dont apply.
Only if someone points out that it’s a Miata windshield. I had no idea until I read the text. Same goes for the Fiat really, it’s differentiated enough for the vast majority who haven’t read anything about it not to realize it at first or second or even third glance.
Fabulous car. I’d love to have one. Wonder what’s next ? Maybe an Aston Martin Lagonda based on a Lexus. Or perhaps a Spirit of Motion based on a …
Why name a car ‘Rock Star’? Rock music is practically dead these days. Sad, but true.
I guess the phrase “Rock Star” is as popular as ever. A car named “Hip Hop Star” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.
“Porn Star” probably didn’t pass muster for some reason either, maybe the engine isn’t large enough. Everybody wants actual names back but all the good ones are taken…
All my life I’ve heard rockstar applied interchangeably across actual genres, rock, pop, hip hop, country, dance etc. I think it’s more of a lifestyle phrase than a genre classification.
Plus while the rock genre is most certainly dead in the US, that might not be the case in other countries including Japan. Many bands you never hear about anymore still tour exclusively throughout Europe and and Asia to make money.
Ironically, a hip-hop song titled “Rockstar” reached #1 last year. I think the phrase is alive and well, as someone above me mentioned.
Nice looking rig, I would have initially guessed it’s larger than it is, the lead photo’s driver seems to be related to the six passengers in the 80’s K-car ads.
I’d like to see some of Mitsuoka’s offerings in the metal, they certainly have imagination.
Dang, that would really be a nice looking, 3/4 scale retro ‘Vette if they hadn’t bunged-up the headlight treatment. Imagine if they’d went with the actual C2’s hidden, rotating headlights. Those small, round projector beams just ruin the whole effect.
Looks like the Grand Theft Auto rendition of a C2
I actually like it. There are a few details that are off, but the overall shape and surfaces are pretty good. And, to this American guy who remembers when the Stingray came out in 1963, this version also shows how the then-innovative combination of curves and sharp edges, now looks very contemporary again. Best looking Mitsuoka ever, though that’s not really much of a compliment.
The pointy prow of the Rock Star reminds me of my 1966 Corvair! (That’s a good thing).
A few folks are quibbling about the name Rock Star, but keep in mind manufacturers in Japan produce many cars and trucks with names that sound a bit odd to American ears.
The 1st gen Lexus coupes were called Soarer, the Lexus GS (I think) is called Aristo, Mazda had a minivan called Bongo and Mitsubishi a minivan called Delica.
And Nissan had the “Cedric”
Add in the Toyota Celsior and Harrier (Lexus LS and RX respectively) and let’s not forget that the Highlander in Japan was given the German name “Kluger”
Great post, interesting automobiles. Corvette tribute is rendered nicely, captures original car’s curves, creases and feeling of power. Lots going on with the front end, takes a little getting used to after seeing the real thing for so many decades, but fairly well done. Looks like the windshield frame and outside rear view mirrors are color keyed to match soft top. Nice detail. Tail end and dual lights look especially good, further evolution of inspiration car, more expressive. Red and blue exterior paints appear to match Corvette’s factory colors from the 1960’s. Looks llike a fun car to tool around in! Japanese copying Americans, Americans copying Japanese. Take your pick.
100% more intriguing than the Miata next to it, styling wise.