If you’ve heard the name Mitsuoka before, then you might be familiar with the brand’s wacky conversions. If not, here’s a brief history lesson.
Mitsuoka has been around for over 50 years, and it’s best known for turning contemporary cars into retro-inspired models. It would typically draw inspiration from cars of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, then graft a new face and rear end on various cars. More often than not, the donor cars are Nissans, as Mitsuoka has retrofied models such as the Silvia, Micra, and Teana, to name a few. Its most recent retro models have been based on the Toyota RAV4 (Mitsuoka Buddy), Mazda MX-5 (Mitsuoka Rockstar), and the previous-generation Nissan Altima (Mitsuoka Galue).
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But Mitsuoka is not done with giving modern cars a classic look. Just take a look at its latest creation, the Viewt Story. The Viewt has long been Mitsuoka’s best-seller, and has always been based on the Nissan Micra. Think Nissan Verita (remember those?), but the retro design has been turned up to 11. But for the Viewt Story, the company decided to use the new (Japanese and European-spec) Toyota Yaris as a starting point.
Much like Viewt models from before, it takes inspiration from the Jaguar Mark 2 from the ’50s, and features unique front and rear end treatments. As with any car inspired from days gone by, it gets lashings of chrome all over the body. Even the front and rear bumper get a fair share of brightwork in the process.
Mind you, it’s not totally retro on the inside. It still gets a touchscreen with the latest tech, and it even has modern niceties such as cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and USB ports. That said, the dash is lifted straight from the Yaris, so there’s a bit of modern design elements in there. The two-tone color scheme and the piping on the leather seats does bring it back to the ’50s.
As for engines, it’s the same as the Japan-spec Yaris, so it uses a 1.5-liter, three cylinder that’s good for 90hp. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a CVT.
The styling will divide opinion, but that’s what the folks at Mitsuoka are banking on with all its models. The company prides itself on individualism, and the Viewt, with its retro touches, reflects the automaker’s beliefs.
