The result is a blend of a Civic body with a Dodge Challenger front and a rear window featuring louvers. While the original Civic’s silhouette is discernible, the absence of fender-mounted side mirrors is a notable deviation. Personally, the overall aesthetic appears slightly disparate, considering the daunting task Mitsuoka undertook to transform a modern compact into a ’70s sports car; any superior outcome would have been miraculous. If debating between extravagant Civics in awkward costumes, I would still opt for this over a new Integra.
Mitsuoka Motor
If Mitsuoka incorporated mechanical modifications, they have remained undisclosed. Typically, the company refrains from altering the mechanics, as seen in the Buddy, where the retro exterior masked a standard RAV4. The other standout revision in the M55 is the sedan’s seats, recognized for their impeccable design. Blue leather upholstery adorned with grommets exudes elegance. Although the cabin’s aesthetic mirrors the 11th-gen Civic, the difference is felt in the luxurious seating.
Curious about the production prospects of the M55? Mitsuoka’s stance is unequivocal on this matter. According to the Japanese publication Car Watch, the answer is a definitive “no.” The M55 seems too eccentric for commercial viability, as decided by the same minds behind Japan’s Jaguar Mark 2-inspired Toyota Yaris and a Mazda Miata reimagined as a C3 Corvette, complete with a unique left-hand-drive conversion. Even Mitsuoka upholds certain standards, whether or not they align with conventional expectations.