Mitsuoka unveils its mysterious new car and it's a Mazda Miata transformed with a very clear American inspiration
Published on Sep 18, 2026 at 10:31 AM (UTC-4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Sep 30, 2026 at 8:16 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Mitsuoka has unveiled a mysterious new car, and it’s a Mazda Miata with an American twist.
The Japanese coachbuilder had previously dropped hints that it was working on a new droptop sports car.
There was still a lot left of questions unanswered, but we’ve now had our first look at what’s to come.
Now we’ve gotten a look at the Mitsuoka LA1, we’ve got just one question remaining – when can we get ahold of one?
This Japanese coachbuilder has form when it comes to creative builds
If you know anything about Mitsuoka, you’ll be aware of its bold design choices.
Lest we forget, this is the company that brought us the Ryugi Final Edition, which looked as though it should be parked outside a manor house in the 1950s.
Then there was the admittedly curious case of the Orochi, which resembled a dragon-fish hybrid.
Which is one remarkable USP for a car, we have to admit.
While the work of Mitsuoka isn’t always met with universal admiration and appreciation – as Jeremy Clarkson can testify to – it always makes an impression.
And that’s certainly what the company has done with its latest offering.
Mitsuoka has taken a Mazda Miata and Americanized it
On the face of it, Americanizing a Mazda Miata sounds like a crime against cars.
It would be like taking an American apple pie and stuffing it full of Irish stew.
But once you see the Mitsuoka LA1, you’ll come to one clear conclusion: if this is wrong, you don’t want to be right.
The LA1 features retro bodywork reminiscent of a first-generation Chevrolet Corvette, from the rounded corners to the fenders.
But despite the all-American exterior, the beating heart of this car is still the ND Mazda Miata running gear.
The images we’ve seen so far look sensational.
It’s the type of car that has duality – you could take this to a drive-in movie theater and you could also let it rip on an open country road.
When can we expect to see the car get its full reveal?
That’ll be coming on November 26, with orders opening the next day.
Consider our calendars marked.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
