Mitsuoka has revealed the LA1, a retro roadster based on the Mazda MX-5 with styling inspired by the 1950s Chevrolet Corvette C1. Here’s what we know about its design, engine options, and dimensions.
Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka has announced its latest retro-styled creation: the Mitsuoka LA1, an open-top roadster built on the Mazda MX-5 (sold in Japan as the Mazda Roadster). The new model combines modern Japanese engineering with design cues from one of America’s most iconic sports cars, the mid-century Chevrolet Corvette C1.
Who Is Mitsuoka?
Mitsuoka is a small Japanese automaker famous for transforming modern mass-market cars into vehicles with classic, vintage-inspired looks. Over the years, the company has built a loyal following with models such as:
- Mitsuoka Viewt, a retro hatchback based on the Toyota Yaris
- Mitsuoka M55, a five-door model built on the Honda Civic
- Mitsuoka Buddy, a crossover based on the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4
- Mitsuoka Himiko, a long-nosed roadster built on the Mazda MX-5
- Mitsuoka Rock Star, an MX-5-based roadster styled after the Corvette C2
The LA1 is the next chapter in this story, and it continues Mitsuoka’s recent fascination with classic American sports car design. Its predecessor-in-spirit, the Rock Star, proved very popular: Mitsuoka announced it in October 2018 and quickly collected reservations for the entire 200-unit production run.
Design: Corvette C1 Style on a Mazda MX-5 Body
The exterior of the Mitsuoka LA1 draws its inspiration from the Chevrolet Corvette C1 of the 1950s. The design sketch comes from Takanori Aoki, the designer behind the Himiko and Rock Star, and it clearly references the 1958 Corvette C1, which is known for its quad-headlight front end.
Compared with the donor Mazda, the LA1 features completely redesigned front and rear sections. Key design highlights include:
- Twin round headlights on each side, in classic Corvette fashion
- Unique, bespoke taillights
- Generous use of chrome trim throughout the exterior
- Large, prominent inserts on the front and rear bumpers
- A wide front grille, Corvette-inspired side vents, and sculpted rear fenders
Dimensions
Mitsuoka has not yet released official dimensions for the LA1. However, since the car is based on the Mazda MX-5, we can expect figures close to those of the donor car:
- Length (Mazda Roadster): 3,915 mm
- Wheelbase (Mazda Roadster): 2,310 mm
The LA1 may end up slightly longer due to its reshaped front and rear bodywork.
Engine and Technical Specifications
Mitsuoka has not shared technical details either, but the LA1 will most likely use the Mazda’s mechanicals without changes. This is consistent with the company’s usual approach: on the Rock Star, for example, the chassis and drivetrain were carried over from the donor car unchanged.
In the Japanese domestic market, the Mazda Roadster is available with the following powertrains:
- Mazda Roadster (soft top): 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 136 hp, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive
- Mazda Roadster RF (retractable hardtop): 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 182 hp
If Mitsuoka follows its usual strategy, buyers can expect the same lively, lightweight driving experience that has made the MX-5 the world’s best-selling roadster.
Release Date and Availability
The new roadster is scheduled to debut in November, and Mitsuoka has said it will reveal more details in the coming months. Like most Mitsuoka models, the LA1 is expected to be sold primarily in Japan. Pricing has not yet been announced, but for reference, the Rock Star started at 4,688,200 yen, roughly double the price of a standard MX-5 in Japan at the time.
Photo: Sergey Sechnev
This is a translation. You can read the original article here: Mazda MX-5 станет родстером Mitsuoka LA1 в стиле Chevrolet Corvette C1
Published September 18, 2026 • 4m to read
