Japanese company builds C2 Corvette on Miata platform

Those who missed out on buying an original C2 (second-generation) Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray will get another crack as a Japanese company is releasing a limited number of them. But there’s a catch: These are built on the Mazda Miata platform.

Mitsuoka’s Rock Star looks to be a fairly faithful re-creation of a Corvette produced between 1963 and 1967. It will be sold in three trim levels. The top version will be equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the other two will have a 6-speed manual.

The cars will basically drive like a Miata. Each rear-wheel drive car will have the 1.5-liter Skyactiv 4-cylinder engine, capable of just 129 horsepower, that Mazda puts in cars made for overseas markets.

Only 50 will be made. Most won’t be purchased because of performance, but styling.

Engineers used clever styling tricks to pay homage to Chevrolet, such as projector headlights designed to mimic the Corvette’s flip-up headlights. From what we can tell, the only factory exterior Miata parts used are the doors and windshield.

Mitsuoka will offer six colors with American-sounding names: Los Angeles Blue, Chicago Red, New York Black, Cisco Orange, Washington White and Arizona Yellow.

A few options will be offered, including a colored soft top, white A-pillars and mirrors, and leather seats. Specially designed wheels can be added.

Those who want to pick one up can apply online, but we remind you: Only 50 are being built, so they’ll command a hefty price tag — at least for a Miata.

The S trim is priced at ¥4,688,200 yen ($41,784) while the upgraded S Special Package with an automatic transmission tops out at ¥5,183,600 yen ($46,199). For reference, a new Miata starts at $25,295.