Corvette-Emulating Mitsuoka Rock Star Is Now Available In LHD

Japanese designer Mitsuoka is well known for changing Japanese vehicles into classic-inspired masterpieces, which feature all-new sheet metal with some vintage elements. However, there are a lot of things that the Mitsuoka Rock Star does wrong when compared to its inspiration, the second-generation Chevy Corvette.

Because it's built on a Mazda MX-5, the engine is not a fit for the 5.3-or 7.0-liter V8 associated with the original Chevy. Mazda's 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 130 horsepower just doesn't make sense. Since there was no LHD version, one of the car's main flaws was that the steering wheel was on the wrong side for the region where the original Corvette was sold.

Although we doubt the Mitsuoka Rock Star was planned to be sold outside of Japan, it appears the automaker has come around to the possibility of at least providing a right-hand drive option. But there's one problem. The official name, Rock Star 2.0 LHD Only1 Special, reveals the LHD Rock Star is a one-of-a-kind. 

This special edition LHD car, dressed in Ruby Red with Passion Blood Red upholstery, will be the last in the line, with only 200 units of the standard Mitsuoka Rock Star ever being produced. It costs nearly twice as much as a regular Rock Star, at 9.9 million yen ($85,600).A lottery entry fee of 500,000 yen ($4325) will be required of all applicants. There will be a maximum of 100 individual lottery entries until February 14th, and those who lose will get their money back.