The Mitsuoka M55 Is A Challenger-Styled Civic Hatchback Built For Me Specifically

Mitsuoka rules. Yes, that Mitsuoka, the one that made the Orochi and the Le-Seyde, rules. The company may have been ragged on for those models, but since refocusing on car designs from the ’60s and ’70s its begun making some beautiful machines. We now have the Rock Star and the Buddy, but the company’s latest model may be its most interesting: A Challenger-styled Civic.

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The M55 is, in some ways, a departure for Mitsuoka. The Rock Star turned a modern two-seat roadster into a classic two-seat roadster, and the Buddy turned a modern family hauler into a retro one. The M55, though, turns a hatchback into a classic coupe — crossing not only year, but body styles.

Somehow, though, it works. The M55 doesn’t look exactly like a Challenger, but instead draws inspiration from that bit of classic American muscle for its liftback look. What could otherwise have been a discordant mix of sharp edges and rounded curves becomes something streamlined and aesthetically appealing.

My love for the FL5-generation Civic is no secret, and an M55 in Si trim would be an absolute riot to bring to any local Cars and Coffee. Put this kit on a Type R, though, and you’ll have me begging you to let me drive it. Can you imagine rolling up to a classic muscle meet in what appears to be a kit car, then smoking those emissions-choked Hemis off the line with front-wheel-drive power?

I want a Mitsuoka M55. I’m going to dream about this car, I’ll put a photo of it in a locket that I carry around with me like a lost love. It’s just weird enough, jut vintage enough, but retains all those modern features that make me love the current Civic. The seats have to go, though. My eventual M55 will be getting Brides on day one.