Humble BeginningsMitsuoka is known as Japan's "off-center" automotive manufacturer. It is responsible for some of the most memorable-looking and genuinely unique cars ever, using new car models as a base and retrofitting a classic exterior design, making them Mitsuoka creations.What started out as a small shop back in 1968, Mitsuoka is now regarded as a true automotive manufacturer in Japan, and its latest new model is a manual version of the Honda Civic, celebrating Mitsuoka's long car-making history. Civic ChalengerMitsuoka's M55 was built and conceptualized to celebrate its 55-years in the industry, but the twist is the design. Mitsuoka has chosen to make the M55 resemble the Dodge Challenger from the '70s. Another car that inspired the final design of the M55 is the Nissan Skyline "Kenmeri." Using the Honda Civic as a base, Mitsuoka has added another limited edition variant, the M55 RS.The concept for this car actually debuted as far back as 2023. At the time, it was built only as a celebration project, with no plans to put the concept into production. Lucky for us, things have changed. Looks-wise, the M55 RS resembles the Challenger more than the Skyline; the front end is unmistakably Dodge. The side profile retains much of the Civic's, while the rear is a mix of different elements, but the coolest touch is the slatted rear vents attached to the rear window panel, a very retro homage.Its interior remains largely unchanged from the Civic that it's based on, with a very familiar layout and materials. The biggest change would be the seating upholstery, now adorned with sporty red accents, faux-carbon trim, and vintage-style seats with blue upholstery and metal eyelets reminiscent of '70s racing seats. Mechanically speaking, it will use the Honda Civic RS powertrain, a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine making 180 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Limited Edition PricingThe M55 RS will be a very limited-edition model; Mitsuoka is producing only 55 units. Also, the Civic's similarities end at design and the shared powertrain, because the price will make the Civic blush. The Mitsuoka M55 RS will be sold for approximately $55,800 (converted), almost double the price of a normal Civic RS.Interestingly, there is another version of this car, a less limited edition. The M55 1st edition is still based on the Civic but in a less sporty trim. The 1st edition is powered by a 2.0-liter e:HEV with a CVT. Prices start at around $50,000 (converted), and only 250 units are planned for 2026.