Boutique Japanese Manufacturer Mitsuoka Turns a Miata into a First-Gen Corvette Tribute

Sep 21, 2026

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Boutique Japanese Manufacturer Mitsuoka Turns a Miata into a First-Gen Corvette Tribute

Photo Credit: Mitsuoka Motors

A Japanese automotive manufacturer known for transforming modern vehicles with retro redesign is now showing off its latest creation: The Mitsuoka LA1! The two-door roadster is built on a modern Mazda MX-5 Miata and gives off serious C1 generation vibes with its dual headlights, side coves, and flowing bodywork with Crager-style wheels and alloy bumpers.

We find the retro design of the LA1 to be very pleasing to our eyes with all the early Corvette design cues. The chrome bumpers really stands out as do the integrated taillights. Early renderings also show the car in some lovely color combinations with contrasting sides that is very reminiscent of early Corvettes.

Under the retro redesign is the modern running gear of a JDM Mazda Miata, with power most likely coming from Mazda’s 1.5L SkyActiv-G inline-four that is mated to a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The new sports car will be revealed fully on November 27, 2026 although we don’t expect any right-hand drive units to be made available for buyers in the United States.

If the concept sounds familiar, we previously wrote about the automaker back in 2018 when they introduced a C2-style conversion to the Miata called the Rock Star.

Source:
Mitsuoka Motors

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4 COMMENTS

IPD Sep 22, 2026 At 5:13 am

Looks great! It’s clearly NOT a C1, but far less visually off-putting than C5 or C6 attempts at the same.
Rc Sep 22, 2026 At 7:01 am

Needs a bigger engine
Jetdriver Sep 22, 2026 At 8:49 am

The real thing is so much better.
IPD Sep 23, 2026 At 5:35 pm

How is the real thing better? A solid-axle, no frills rattle-can is “better”?

No thanks.