Mitsuoka, the Japanese coachbuilder, famous for turning ordinary modern cars into gloriously oddball throwbacks, has revealed its latest creation — the LA1. And if it looks vaguely familiar, that’s because it takes inspiration from one of America’s most recognisable sports cars: the first-generation Chevrolet Corvette.
Unlike a genuine C1 Corvette, however, the LA1 is expected to use the mechanicals of a modern Mazda MX-5 Miata underneath its retro skin. Mitsuoka hasn’t revealed all the details yet, but the new roadster is scheduled to make its full debut on November 26.
The LA1 isn’t intended to be a faithful replica of the original Corvette. Instead, Mitsuoka has blended cues from the American classic with the proportions and architecture of the modern Miata. The result is a tiny roadster that manages to look considerably more dramatic than its donor car. Up front, the LA1 gets four round headlights, giving it twice the headlight count of the original C1 Corvette. There is also a wide grille, prominent chrome bumpers and a vented bonnet. The side profile is where the Corvette inspiration becomes even more obvious. There are decorative side gills, a sweeping character line and chrome detailing. The windscreen frame and soft-top mechanism appear to be carried over from the Miata, hinting at the modern car hiding underneath all that retro bodywork. At the back, Mitsuoka has gone for more classic Corvette cues, including tail lights that are mounted towards the outer edges of the rear quarters, a chrome bumper and a bespoke boot lid. The overall shape is unmistakably vintage, although the compact dimensions give the LA1 a rather cute appearance compared with the much larger American original.
Mitsuoka has given the Miata another makeover as well. Its Rock Star, introduced in 2018, used the MX-5 as the basis for a roadster styled after the second-generation Corvette. The company has also transformed a Toyota RAV4 into the Chevrolet K5 Blazer-inspired Buddy and turned a Honda Civic hatchback into the 1970s Dodge Charger-inspired M55 concept.
The LA1’s exact mechanical specification remains under wraps. If it does retain the current-generation MX-5’s underpinnings, though, it should remain a rear-wheel-drive, lightweight roadster with a six-speed manual gearbox available in its donor form. In Japan, the current MX-5 is offered with 1.5-litre and 2-litre four-cylinder engines, although Mitsuoka has yet to confirm which, if either, will power the LA1.
The full reveal on November 26 should answer those questions, along with how much this little Corvette look alike will cost. Mitsuoka’s creations are typically produced in limited numbers and can attract lengthy waiting lists, so getting hold of one may be considerably harder than simply walking into a Mazda showroom and ordering an MX-5.
