Mitsuoka Himiko

If you remember the Panther Kallista from the Eighties – a retro-looking sports car but with modern mechanicals underneath – then the Mitsuoka Himiko will be a familiar formula. Proven MX-5 parts provide credibility, although the car’s styling is something of an acquired taste. It’s incredibly good fun and different, or irredeemably naff, depending on your view. But either way, it’s interesting.

For those who want to stand out from the crowd on Japanese roads, a Mitsuoka is one of the best options. The country’s number one replica maker has been producing amazing British-inspired models for years, and now it has built the Himiko – a flamboyant roadster.

Underneath lies a Mazda MX-5, although you’d hardly guess. Up top, the chrome grille, wild lights and flowing plastic body are Mitsuoka’s own work. Think of it as a tribute to Morgan, perhaps, with a touch of classic Jaguar XK120 thrown in.

Enterprising founder Susumu Mitsuoka has a soft spot for old British models, which is why he’s turned out a whole run of Riley, Wolseley and Alvis doubles. His crowning glory is the Viewt – an amazing mini Jaguar Mk2 lookalike based on the Nissan Micra.

Driving the Himiko is great fun. The 160bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, six-speed automatic gearbox and clever power-retractable roof work brilliantly. Except for a thick ‘woody’ strip running across the middle of the dash, the cabin is just as Mazda built it.

However, what really sets the Himiko apart is the huge 70cm ‘stretch’ Mitsuoka has inserted into the wheelbase, to give the car a classic long bonnet look.

From behind the wheel, the newcomer still responds well, with the quick and direct steering giving you a good idea of what those far-off front wheels are up to. The chassis also feels taut, grip is decent and the standard MX-5 suspension and 17-inch wheels provide a comfortable and well judged ride quality.

However, the Himiko works best cruising in a straight line. Guiding the long nose through tight bends requires more effort than in the MX-5. This car is more ponderous, which has a lot to do with the fact it’s 160kg heavier.

Ultimately, though, how it drives is irrelevant. You buy a Himiko to stand out. The firm plans to build only 30 to 40 examples a year (none of which is coming to Europe), so it will be rare to see another. As each costs £42,000, think of this car as a rarefied, high-priced slice of Japanese automotive exotica.

Rival: Morgan Plus
The real deal for classic sports car buyers, Morgan’s Plus 4 costs less than £30,000. The latest version gets a new 2.0-litre 145bhp Duratec engine, which means a 0-60mph sprint time of 7.3 seconds. And an amazing testament to its enduring popularity is the fact waiting lists are still years long.