A rare 1991 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde of which only 500 were produced headlines Unique Auctions Automobilia Auction on the 7th October 2023. The car is in amazing condition and has only 19,000 miles on the clock. Viewing Friday 6th October 10am-4pm and from 8am on morning of auction.
The car has an estimate of £12,000-£15,000.
The auction also includes a large number of car related items including an excellent collection of car related enamel and other signs.
General Background information to the 1991 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde
The 1991 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde is a remarkable and unique creation from Mitsuoka Motors, a smaller Japanese automobile manufacturer known for its distinctive and sometimes eccentric designs. The Le-Seyde was primarily inspired by classic pre-war European roadsters, and its design closely resembles that of the iconic Morgan Plus 8, albeit with some Japanese flavour.
- Design and Production:
- The Le-Seyde was created to pay homage to classic European roadster designs of the early 20th century, which was a departure from the more contemporary and compact designs prevalent in Japan at the time. Its design captures the essence of vintage luxury cars with its long bonnet, flowing fenders, and the traditional open-top design.
- Mitsuoka’s production of the Le-Seyde was very limited, with only 500 units produced. This exclusivity further accentuated the car’s appeal and mystique in the automotive market.
- Technical Aspects:
- Underneath its classic exterior, the Le-Seyde was built on the platform of the Nissan Silvia S13, a compact sports coupe. This means that it inherited the Silvia’s mechanical components including the engine and drivetrain.
- The engine was typically a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from Nissan. While it didn’t provide a powerful performance to match its flashy exterior, it was reliable and offered a smooth driving experience.
- Legacy and Impact:
- The Le-Seyde was one of the earlier models that helped establish Mitsuoka’s reputation for creating visually striking, retro-styled automobiles. It showcased the brand’s willingness to think outside the conventional automotive design norms, and created a niche market for such retro-styled vehicles in Japan and to some extent, abroad.
- The car became a cult classic among car enthusiasts and collectors, particularly in Japan, and paved the way for Mitsuoka’s later creations, which continued to blend vintage European aesthetics with modern Japanese automotive technology.
- Price and Collectibility:
- Given its limited production run and distinctive design, the Le-Seyde holds a special place in the realm of automotive collectibles. Over the years, it has become a sought-after item among collectors who appreciate its unique design and the story behind Mitsuoka Motors.
- Mitsuoka Motors:
- Mitsuoka Motors has carved a niche for itself in the automotive industry with its unique takes on classic car designs. Its creations often stir conversations and evoke a sense of nostalgia, bridging the gap between the old and the new. The Le-Seyde is a prime example of Mitsuoka’s philosophy of blending classic design aesthetics with modern-day engineering.
The 1991 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde is a piece of automotive art that reflects a fascinating blend of vintage styling and modern engineering, marking a notable chapter in the journey of Mitsuoka Motors.
About Unique Auctions
Unique Auctions are one of Lincolnshire’s leading Auction Houses offering a range of regular Antique & Collectors sales. Unique Auctions handle every aspect of probate, house, agricultural, commercial and industrial clearances. For further information call UK +44 (0) 1522 690444 or visit https://www.unique-auctions.com
We are now accepting Classic Cars etc for all future auctions. We also value rare Classic Cars etc. We also provide probate valuations for Classic Carsetc.
