In the world of automotive design, there is a fine line between “retro-inspired” and “completely transformative.” Then there is Mitsuoka. The Japanese coachbuilder has built a legendary reputation for taking modern, reliable donor cars and wrapping them in bodywork that looks like it was plucked from a different decade—or a different continent entirely.
Their latest creation, the Mitsuoka M55 RS, is perhaps their most audacious project yet. It’s a car that asks a very specific question: What if a 2026 Honda Civic was actually a 1970s American muscle car with a dash of Japanese “Kenmeri” Skyline heritage?
The Art of the Visual Lie
At first glance, you might mistake the M55 RS for a restored Dodge Challenger or a vintage Lancia Delta. The front fascia is a masterclass in nostalgic deception, featuring a recessed egg-crate grille and quad-round headlights that scream “Detroit, 1971.”
But look closer at the roofline and the doors, and the silhouette of the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback begins to emerge. Mitsuoka has essentially performed a radical “face-off,” replacing the front and rear sections with bespoke, hand-assembled panels. The rear features a dramatic ducktail spoiler and louvers over the back window—a quintessential 70s touch that completes the “street machine” aesthetic.
Purely Manual, Purely Driver-Focused
While previous iterations of the M55 explored hybrid powertrains and CVT transmissions, the RS (Road Sport) trim is unapologetically analog.
- The Engine: Underneath that retro hood lies a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.
- The Gearbox: There is no automatic option here. The M55 RS comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, ensuring that the driving experience feels as mechanical as the styling suggests.
- The Donor: Unlike many specialized builds, the M55 RS is based on the modern Honda Civic RS. This means you get the retro looks without the retro headaches—you still have Honda’s world-class chassis, modern safety sensors, and everyday reliability.
Interior: Where Retro Meets Tech
The cabin of the M55 RS is a fascinating blend of 21st-century technology and vintage flair. While the dashboard, 10.25-inch digital cluster, and infotainment screen are unmistakably Honda, Mitsuoka has added bespoke touches to ground the car in its 70s theme.
The seats are upholstered in signature blue quilted leather featuring “eyelet” detailing—a nod to the classic GT cars of the 70s. For the RS model, this is accented with red stitching and exclusive “RS” embroidery on the headrests. The steering wheel, while retaining its modern buttons and airbag, now proudly wears the Mitsuoka emblem, reminding you that you aren’t in a standard commuter car.
Exclusivity at a Premium
If you were hoping to see an M55 RS at every street corner, think again. Mitsuoka has announced that production for the 2026 model year is strictly limited to just 55 units.
This scarcity comes with a significant price tag. The M55 RS is priced at ¥8,888,000 (approximately $55,700 USD). To put that into perspective, that is roughly double the price of the standard Honda Civic RS it is based on.
“You either ‘get’ Mitsuoka or you don’t,” is a common refrain in Japanese car circles. For the 55 collectors who secured a build slot, the price isn’t for the 180 horsepower—it’s for the privilege of driving a piece of rolling art that turns more heads than a supercar.
The Verdict: A Love Letter to the Golden Era
The Mitsuoka M55 RS arrives at a time when automotive design is increasingly dictated by wind tunnels and pedestrian safety regulations, often leading to “blob-like” crossovers. The M55 RS is a defiant middle finger to that trend.
It is a car built for the person who misses the era of chrome bumpers and round headlights but still wants a car that will start every single morning and keep them cool with modern air conditioning. It’s expensive, it’s polarizing, and it’s arguably unnecessary—which is exactly what makes it one of the most exciting cars on the road in 2026.