October 12: Lust for a Corvette?

Who doesn't lust after a second generation Corvette convertible? If this speaks to you, stay tuned as I'll eventually show you how to satisfy your desires for cheap money.

Sometime in the past I've written about the Japanese aftermarket supplier, Mitsuoka. They perform their magic, ok, so it's not quite magic, on a variety of usually Nissan products. For people who want something more pretentious, but with Nissan reliability, then Mitsuoka is the company to check out. Over the years they've performed thousands of their unique metal surgeries, to what you might say, has been mixed success.

Case in point......

This is the rather successful Newt, a conversion based on a Nissan Micra. Successful that is in the numbers Mitsuoka has sold, well over ten thousand. If all you have is Micra money, but long for the look of an older, shrunken Jaguar (and who doesn't), then the Newt is your kind of car.

Not all of Mitsuoka's handy work has the look of an old Jag........

With the Galue they've gone further upscale and grafted a Bentley type front end on a willing(?) Nissan donor car. Now, who wouldn't want to be seen cruising the highways and biways of their island home in this up market looking ride? Whether the overall effect works, I'll leave up to you. Wait just a minute.....me not give an opinion? Unlikely. These conversions look hideous. There, now that's off my chest.

Like all custom houses, Mitsuoka just couldn't resist doing a neo-classic, the New Le Seyde.........

.....or even their own sportscar, the Orochi.......

Successful? Yeah sure, think what you want. Not a surplus line gone used.

Now that mid '60's Corvette is looking even better, right? But why bring that up in a conversation about misplaced new body parts? Well Corvette lovers, Mitsuoka has your number with the just introduced Rock Star. Another original name from the land of very original and somewhat bizarre names. Compare this new model to the original.........

Can you see the difference? The mighty Corvette in a reduced size in all directions including price. Worried about affording the gas for your new acquisition? Fear not, as the Rock Star is based on that beloved budget sportscar, the Mazda MX-5, you know, the Miata.

Now tell me, who would have thought a Japanese company would have reached back to the American car past and whipped up this tasty Vette look alike? Goes to show you how good that design was back in the day, as it still looks so tempting in 2018. At least Mitsuoka thinks so.

Amaze those folks at cars and coffee, when you ease into the parking lot with a Corvette that isn't. Be the only one on your block or the whole country. Oh, and don't open the hood.

Until next time.......