Remember the Mitsuoka M55 Concept that made its rounds on the internet back in November last year? That FL1 Civic-based retro car is now confirmed for production, with its market launch set to happen in 2025.
If you’re still confused by that first paragraph or have absolutely no idea what the Mitsuoka M55 concept is, allow us to explain. Mitsuoka is a Japanese automobile company that takes existing production cars and turns them into retro-styled creations such as the Mitsuoka Buddy which is based on the Toyota RAV4 and the Mitsuoka Rock Star which is based on the Mazda MX-5.
Now, Mitsuoka has taken the FL1 and turned it into a Kenmeri Skyline-esque retro car. Revealed in November 2023, it was known as the Mitsuoka M55 Concept. On February 29, 2024, Mitsuoka announced that the M55 would go into production.
With the debut of this bizarre new version of the FL1 Honda Civic Hatchback, we are getting some new ideas as to what modifications are possible to the FE Honda Civic sedan as well. Sometime in the future, you could convert a used FE Honda Civic sedan into an imitation of a Dodge Charger.
RELATED: The new Mitsuoka Buddy is essentially a Toyota RAV4 with classic American SUV design
Addressing why the M55 Concept sports a very American look, Mitsuoka on its special page for M55 Concept states, “For our company, which was founded in 1968, the 1970s was an important era that laid the foundation for today’s business. At that time, there was a torrent of energy within us full of dreams and hopes.”
“The Americanized Japanese identity also influences the design of cars. Under the period of high economic growth, the performance of automobiles improved and GT-type cars appeared. The colour television, air conditioner, and car, which were called the new three sacred treasures, also became explosively popular. The times were hot and swirling like magma, and culture was at its dawn.”
RELATED: The Mitsuoka M55 Concept is a Honda Civic FL1 hatchback underneath its retro looks
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