Mitsuoka to roll out 10 Mazda MX-5-based roadsters with vintage charms

Japanese tuner Mitsuoka, famous for its production car-based customs, has announced the update of its Himiko roadster (see video) to the 2024 model year. The scope of updates will be rather modest, and only ten cars will be made.

Working with the latest-gen Mazda MX-5, the tuning company ends up with a gorgeous retro roadster featuring all-new bodywork and an opulent cabin. The exterior is styled after the classics of the 1950s – long hood, pronounced fenders and quirky light arrangements.

The shape change led to the car becoming larger. At 4,580 mm (178.9 inches) long, it is 665 mm (26 inches) longer than the MX-5 despite the interior staying the same. The engine bay looks gigantic, too, but the engine inside is Mazda’s standard entry-level 1.5-liter turbo. It links to a six-speed automatic transmission hitting it with 131 PS (129 hp / 96 kW) and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque.

Speaking of the 2024MY update, customers may now choose from seven available exterior finishes instead of three, and the standard trim has been expanded with some new equipment. However, there is no option to choose a particular trim level or engine. The cabin gets retrimmed with body-matched leather and the badge replaced with one made from filigree enamel, but that’s about it for the novelty value.

Price-wise, the car starts at ¥6,787,000, or a touch above $48,000. This is about twice as much as the standard MX-5 costs in Japan. Depending on your chosen body color, you may have to pay $400–800 extra.