Mitsuoka Zero1 History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Introduced in June 1994, the Zero1 was the first vehicle Mitsuoka designed entirely from scratch (aside from the engine and drivetrain) and the product that secured the company's recognition as Japan's tenth registered automobile manufacturer — the first new entrant since Honda in 1963. Its design referenced the Lotus Super Seven: a lightweight, open-top two-seater with a long hood, cycle fenders, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Early cars used a 1.6-litre Mazda engine (from the Eunos Roadster / MX-5 platform), replaced by a 1.8-litre unit after approximately two years. A five-speed manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels. The Zero1 stayed in production into the early 2000s (sources vary on the exact end year; roughly 1998–2002), and a Classic Type-F variant won the 1997 Good Design Award.
Body styles
- Roadster (open two-seater)
Notable special editions & performance variants
Zero1 Classic Type-F
Award-winning variant that earned the 1997 Good Design Award; featured classic cycle-fender styling.
Related models
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