Civic Redesigned to Skyline: Mitsuoka Revives Classic
- Japanese automaker Mitsuoka reimagines the Honda Civic with classic muscle car styling.
- The trend of retro models has been gaining momentum, especially with the rise of electric vehicles.
- Mitsuoka,a small Japanese automaker,is known for its retro creations based on existing cars.
Mitsuoka M55: A Retro-Inspired Homage to the ’70s
Table of Contents
- Mitsuoka M55: A Retro-Inspired Homage to the ’70s
- Mitsuoka M55: A Retro-Inspired Homage to the 70s
- What is the Mitsuoka M55?
- What Design Influences Does the Mitsuoka M55 have?
- What are the Key Features of the Mitsuoka M55?
- How Many Mitsuoka M55s Will Be Produced?
- What Editions of the Mitsuoka M55 are Available?
- When Can I Order a Mitsuoka M55?
- How Does the Mitsuoka M55 Compare to the Original Skyline?
- Mitsuoka M55 Editions: Key Differences
Japanese automaker Mitsuoka reimagines the Honda Civic with classic muscle car styling.
The trend of retro models has been gaining momentum, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. However, Japanese car manufacturer Mitsuoka has been embracing retro designs since the 1980s. Recently, they unveiled a redesign of the Honda Civic, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Skyline.
Mitsuoka,a small Japanese automaker,is known for its retro creations based on existing cars. Their designs often spark debate, with some finding them appealing adn others less so. Last year, the company surprised enthusiasts with a reimagining of the current-generation Honda Civic, featuring a design reminiscent of the Dodge Challenger muscle car and the fourth-generation Nissan Skyline from the 1970s.
Despite being based on a modern five-door liftback, mitsuoka has managed to refine the proportions of the Civic. While the design remains distinctive, it avoids being overtly unattractive. The mechanics remain largely untouched, with a 134 kW four-cylinder engine and manual transmission powering the front wheels.
In comparison, the fourth-generation Skyline, known as the “Kenmeri,” featured four- and six-cylinder engines and was available in sedan, estate, and coupe body styles. The GT-R version boasted a 118 kW two-liter six-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive.However, it was not commercially successful, with only 197 units produced in a single year.
Initially, the Mitsuoka M55 was intended as a concept car to celebrate the brand’s 55th anniversary. Though, due to customer demand, the company produced a limited “Zero Edition” series of 100 units.The starting price was approximately 8,085,000 yen.
Demand for the M55 was so high that Mitsuoka implemented a lottery system for purchasing the initial units, which were scheduled to be delivered in May. Despite initial reports of a limited production run of 100 units for the Zero Edition,it truly seems Mitsuoka received over 1,300 orders.
Mitsuoka has announced a follow-up edition called the “1st Edition,” offering more customization options. unlike the Zero Edition,which had limited equipment and paint choices,the 1st Edition will be available in 10 paint colors and three equipment levels. In addition to the combustion engine version,a hybrid variant will also be offered. Production will be limited to 250 units, with deliveries expected in 2026. The starting price is 7,568,000 yen. Given the “1st Edition” designation, further iterations are anticipated.
Pre-orders for the 2025 Mitsuoka M55 1st Version began on March 27, 2025, at authorized dealerships in Japan. Production will be limited to 250 units in 2026. Once reservations reach this limit, orders will be temporarily closed.
Mitsuoka M55: A Retro-Inspired Homage to the 70s
Japanese automaker Mitsuoka reimagines the Honda Civic wiht classic muscle car styling.
What is the Mitsuoka M55?
The Mitsuoka M55 is a retro-styled car created by the Japanese automaker Mitsuoka. It’s based on the current-generation Honda Civic but features a design that evokes classic muscle cars and Japanese cars of the 1970s. Mitsuoka is known for its unique approach to car design, frequently enough drawing inspiration from vintage aesthetics.
What Design Influences Does the Mitsuoka M55 have?
The M55’s design is heavily influenced by:
- Dodge Challenger: the front end and overall silhouette of the M55 draw clear inspiration from the classic Dodge Challenger.
- Nissan Skyline (Kenmeri): The design also incorporates elements reminiscent of the fourth-generation Nissan Skyline, particularly the ”kenmeri” model from the 1970s.
What are the Key Features of the Mitsuoka M55?
Despite its retro design, the M55 is built on the modern Honda Civic platform. Key features include:
- Base: Current-generation Honda Civic five-door liftback.
- Engine: A 134 kW four-cylinder engine.
- Transmission: Manual transmission.
How Many Mitsuoka M55s Will Be Produced?
Mitsuoka initially planned a limited run for the “Zero Edition” to celebrate the brand’s 55th anniversary,with only 100 units. Due to high demand, Mitsuoka received many orders. The 1st Edition will be a bit more widely available, with a production run of 250 units.
What Editions of the Mitsuoka M55 are Available?
Currently, there are two editions of the Mitsuoka M55:
- Zero Edition: The initial limited production run of 100 units.
- 1st Edition: Offers more customization options, including 10 paint colors and three equipment levels. A hybrid variant will also be available.
When Can I Order a Mitsuoka M55?
Pre-orders for the 2025 Mitsuoka M55 1st Version began on March 27, 2025, at authorized dealerships in Japan. Production will be limited to 250 units in 2026. Onc reservations reach this limit, orders will be temporarily closed.
How Does the Mitsuoka M55 Compare to the Original Skyline?
The original fourth-generation Nissan Skyline,known as the ”Kenmeri,” featured a variety of engine options and body styles. The Skyline GT-R version, for example, had a 118 kW two-liter six-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. In contrast, the M55 takes a modern approach, using a 134 kW four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, while focusing on retro styling.
Mitsuoka M55 Editions: Key Differences
Here’s a comparison of the two announced Mitsuoka M55 editions:
| Feature | Zero Edition | 1st Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Production Run | 100 units | 250 units |
| Customization | Limited | More options (10 paint colors,3 equipment levels) |
| Hybrid Variant | No | Yes |
| Availability | Sold Out | Available (Pre-orders started March 27,2025) |