History of Mitsuoka: Japan’s Unique Custom Car Manufacturer

Mitsuoka is one of Japan’s most unique and niche automakers, known for its retro-styled, handcrafted vehicles that blend classic European aesthetics with modern Japanese reliability. It is a small but distinctive brand, specializing in custom-built cars inspired by vintage designs.

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1982 Mitsuoka BUBU Shuttle-50

Early Years: Custom Coachbuilding (1968–1980s)

• 1968: Mitsuoka Motors was founded by Susumu Mitsuoka in Toyama, Japan, as a coachbuilding and custom car company.
• 1970s: Focused on modifying small Japanese cars with luxury and classic car-inspired designs.
• 1982: Launched the BUBU Shuttle-50, a tiny, street-legal microcar.
• 1987: Started producing BUBU Classic Series, replicas of classic European cars.

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Mitsuoka Zero 1

Retro-Styled Automobiles and Growth (1990s–2000s)

• 1993: Introduced the Mitsuoka Viewt, a Nissan March (Micra) modified to resemble a classic Jaguar Mk2. It became Mitsuoka’s best-selling car.
• 1996: Released the Mitsuoka Galue, a luxury sedan with design elements from Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
• 1998: Launched the Mitsuoka Zero1, a Lotus Seven-inspired sports car.
• 2000s: Continued developing custom retro-styled cars based on modern Japanese platforms.

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Mitsuoka Orochi

Expanding into Sports Cars and Supercars (2010s–Present)

• 2010: Introduced the Mitsuoka Himiko, a Mazda MX-5-based roadster with vintage styling.
• 2014: Launched the Mitsuoka Orochi, its first original supercar, with a bold and futuristic design.
• 2018: Introduced the Mitsuoka Rock Star, a Mazda MX-5 modified to resemble a 1960s Chevrolet Corvette C2.
• 2020s: Focused on low-volume, handcrafted luxury cars, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

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Mitsuoka Viewt

Mitsuoka’s Legacy and Achievements

✅ Japan’s only dedicated coachbuilder for retro-style cars
✅ Blends modern reliability with classic European aesthetics
✅ Produced one of Japan’s rarest supercars (Orochi)
✅ Continues to attract a niche market of collectors

Mitsuoka remains a small but iconic automaker, creating unique, nostalgic cars that stand out in the modern automotive world.