Keith Adams
AROnline’s readers are probably already pretty familiar with the products of Mitsuoka thanks to our Faking it gallery – but, for any who are not, the Japanese company builds pastiches of British classic cars, based closely on modern day underpinnings. If you thought it was impossible to make a Jaguar Mk2 out of a Nissan Micra, then you’ve obviously never done a Google search on the Mitsuoka Viewt…
The company’s latest effort moves away from the usual BMC and Jaguar sources of inspiration and heads for Malvern Link. Yes, Mitsuoka is now building its very own interpretation of the Morgan sports car.
If you thought it was impossible to make a Jaguar Mk2 out of a Nissan Micra, then you’ve obviously never done a Google search on the Mitsuoka Viewt…
Called the Himiko, the open-topped sports car is based on that Japanese-British wannabe, the Mazda MX-5. We reckon that the car almost looks convincing – from a distance. We’re not convinced it’ll do the business in the UK and Europe given the love for Morgan, but it could prove a surprise hit in its homeland…
For more information, visit the Mitsuoka website.
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
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Am I the only one looking at this and thinking “Panther Kallista”? Despite that, it works rather well.
Use wire wheels and simpler headlamps instead of the noughties-style eggbox type, and it could inspire a kit car business. Let me know when the bolt-on parts are on sale.
I’ve seen worse…
If a Morgan and an Austin-Healey 3000 were put in one side of the machine in ‘The Fly’, perhaps this is what would come out of the other side!?
The handbrake looks like an umbrella.
It’s probably better finished than the contraptions Moggy puts out.
THAT LOOKS OK, WELL FINISHED UNLIKE THE CARS THAT INSPIRED THIS CONTRAPTION. CERTAINLY THE BEST BASE A MODERN-RETRO-LOOKING ROADSTER COULD BE BASED UPON!!! AND IT WON’T LEAK INSIDE, C-C SYSTEM, WELL DONE IN FACT
This looks very good, a little bit kallista a little bit Jag xk 160. I think it would look better with old jag type headlights, these laid back things look bad on the Morgan. But yes I would have one. you can’t drive fast anymore so why not drive in style.
as long as Mitsuoka exists there is hope for the world!