The Mazda MX-5 Miata has always embraced the traditional lightweight roadster formula, but nobody would mistake an ND for a 1950s American sports car. Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka is apparently determined to change that.
Transforming ordinary production cars into something considerably stranger has long been Mitsuoka’s specialty. Its creations routinely borrow inspiration from famous European and American designs while retaining modern Japanese mechanicals underneath.
The company has already used the current-generation Miata for one Corvette-inspired creation. The Rock Star arrived in 2018 wearing bodywork reminiscent of the C2 Corvette Sting Ray.
Now Mitsuoka is going even further back through Chevrolet’s history. Its upcoming LA1 once again uses an ND-generation MX-5 as its foundation, this time dressing Mazda’s roadster to resemble the original C1 Corvette.
It’s A Miata Wearing 1950s Corvette Styling
Mitsuoka has released the first clear renderings of the LA1 ahead of its official November 26 unveiling. The transformation is extensive enough that you’d need to look fairly closely to recognize the Mazda underneath.
Up front are four round headlights positioned above a broad grille and prominent chrome bumper, drawing heavily from later versions of the first-generation Corvette. A vented hood and front splitter complete the redesigned nose.
The Corvette influence continues along the sides with decorative gills and a sweeping contrasting section extending into the doors. Mitsuoka has also stretched the body beyond the Miata’s original proportions, particularly at the rear, where custom fenders lead into a longer overhang.
C1-inspired taillights sit in the rear quarter panels, joined by a custom trunk lid, split chrome bumper, and Mitsuoka lettering. Some pieces still make it obvious that it’s a Mazda, including the doors, windshield frame, and folding fabric roof.
It’s Still An MX-5 Miata Underneath
The retro bodywork doesn’t mean Mitsuoka has abandoned what makes the Miata appealing. The LA1 has the ND’s rear-wheel-drive architecture, giving it thoroughly modern sports-car foundations beneath the vintage disguise.
Mitsuoka hasn’t announced powertrain specifications yet. In Japan, the MX-5 is offered with naturally aspirated 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, paired with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions depending on specification, but the company hasn’t confirmed which combinations the LA1 will receive.
The car was designed by Takanori Aoki, who was also responsible for the Corvette C2-inspired Rock Star, which makes the LA1 something of a spiritual successor, only with its American inspiration moved back another generation.
Full Details Arrive In November
Mitsuoka will officially unveil the LA1 on November 26, and orders are expected to open in Japan the following day. Pricing and production numbers haven’t been announced yet.
Judging by Mitsuoka’s previous limited-production creations, however, the LA1 is unlikely to be an inexpensive route to C1 Corvette styling — even if there’s a humble Miata hiding underneath.
What do you think of the Mitsuoka LA1? Would you drive a Miata with C1 Corvette-inspired styling? Let us know in the comments.