Japan’s Coolest New Convertible Apes a Legendary American ClassicGear PatrolgvandykeUpdatedThu, September 17, 2026 at 7:49 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleMitsuoka has finally revealed its latest curious creation, and the result is a surprisingly cohesive take on a midcentury icon.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreJust a few months ago, a Japanese coachbuilder named Mitsuoka hinted at a new retro-styled droptop sports car heaped with '60s style.While the designs were pretty tentative, the lines suggested something similar to the outfit's recent "Rock Star" conversion. Based on the Miata but wearing a Corvette-like look, it made for an interesting project.The LA1 shows clear Corvette inspiration. - Credit: Mitsuoka MotorNow, Mitsuoka has finally revealed the previously teased convertible. I'll admit I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I think the result makes for one of the coachbuilder's best works yet.A pint-sized CorvetteMitsuoka calls it the LA1, and it's a car that shows some clear resemblances to the last years of the Corvette C1. While the outfit hasn't disclosed what's really underneath the sheet metal, it's probably a Miata, like its predecessor.If you squint, you can see some elements of Miata show through. - Credit: Mitsuoka MotorAfter all, the previous sketches included a set of doors that seemed distinctly ND in design. They still show some MX-5 similarities despite the new skin, as do the A-pillars, arches and wheelbase.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn any event, I'm pleasantly surprised by how Mitsuoka's design translates the Chevy's iconic curves to a smaller platform. While the C1 was hardly a large car, the Mazda comes in nearly two feet shorter.Still, features like the wide grille, round headlamps, rearward cab and tapered tail all read as a late-1950s and early-1960s American sports car. They've merely been scaled down to roadster dimensions.While it's obviously not an authentic Corvette, it does read surprisingly old-school. - Credit: Mitsuoka MotorSomehow, the rims are cohesive, too. I think they're often the biggest eyesores on a neo-retro build, but the MX-5's smaller wheel size ensures that even they don't look out of place.More show than goMitsuoka hasn't yet released performance specifications for the LA1, but the outfit is unlikely to have touched too much under the hood.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs with examples like its Honda Civic, its coachbuilding approach typically leaves the donor drivetrain as-is. Accordingly, the MX-5's engine, transmission and suspension should mostly carry over as they are from the factory.The rearward cab and lengthened tail help cultivate the look, as do the chrome bumpers. - Credit: Mitsuoka MotorThat means it presumably won't bring a V8 to drive the wheels or roar like the real thing, but I see those as small concessions.Beyond modern reliability, a Miata-based platform promises a potentially lighter car, since the sveltest manual models tip the scales at around 2,330 pounds. Even if it ends up being down on power compared to the real thing, then, it still stands to be an engaging drive.Availability and pricingMitsuoka lists a November 2026 launch for the LA1. The brand has not announced pricing or confirmed market availability, though I'd expect it to primarily be a JDM special.Mitsuoka LA1 Learn More AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.