The Mitsuoka M55 Concept is a fusion between a Honda Civic and a classic muscle car, embodying the daring spirit of ’70s American automotive design.
Mitsuoka might not ring a bell in every corner of the globe, but if you are into quirky builds, you have probably heard of the Japanese coachbuilder known for turning everyday cars into retro-themed classics, including a Mazda MX-5 made into a Corvette doppelganger and a Toyota RAV4 dressed up as a Chevy K5 Blazer.
To celebrate its 55th anniversary, the tuning house pulled off something quite extraordinary, the Mitsuoka M55 Concept, a rather unique Honda Civic in Dodge Challenger clothing — yes, you read that right.
With the M55, Mitsuoka dove full-steam ahead into the American muscle car period, specifically the 1970s – a golden era for muscle cars and the same decade that saw Mitsuoka come to life. At first glance, especially from the front, you might mistake it for a Dodge Challengerm thanks to the quad-round headlights and wide, slim grille that screams American muscle.
But as your eyes move to the side, the illusion gently fades, revealing the unmistakable profile of a modern Civic — the M55 retains the Civic’s A- to C-pillars and overall hatchback shape.
But Mitsuoka didn’t stop there. The rear of the M55 is a blend of styles: oversized taillights a louvered rear window, and a ducktail spoiler — it doesn’t get any more “muscle car” than that, bringing a bit of Detroit swagger to the Japanese icon.
Inside, the M55 retains most of the Civic’s interior, with a few key changes. The steering wheel now boasts a Mitsuoka badge, and the seats were reupholstered in light blue leather, complete with vintage-style grommets and quilting, for a retro vibe that’s both chic and nostalgic.
Under the hood, details are scarce but it’s safe to assume that Mitsuoka kept the Civic’s internals intact, so a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine delivering 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. It’s a front-wheel-drive affair, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, ensuring the M55 has more than just looks – it’s got a bit of fun too!
Now, here’s the catch – the M55 is still a concept. While Mitsuoka has a history of bringing its wild ideas to life, there’s no official word yet on whether the M55 could hit the production line. But if it does, and you happen to be in Japan (since Mitsuoka doesn’t typically sell outside of Asia), this could be your chance to drive a piece of automotive art.
The M55 is currently set to be displayed at Honda dealerships around Tokyo, giving car enthusiasts a chance to see this uncanny fusion up close. It’s a playful and bold statement by Mitsuoka, blending cultures and eras in a way that only it could. And in the ever-serious world of automotive engineering, the M55 is a delightful reminder that cars can still be fun, whimsical, and downright surprising.
Gallery: 2023 Mitsuoka M55 Concept
