The Mitsuoka body kit on this 2003 Infiniti M45 transforms the car’s styling in a unique way that’s bound to draw attention. The second generation Infiniti M has almost faded into history, having only come to America in model years 2003 and 2004. This modified specimen in City of Industry, California shows well, though the seller describes it as looking best from 10 feet away. These V8 luxury cars have a good reputation, with the same 340 HP Nissan V8 as the top-shelf Q45 in a sportier package. “Sporty” may not be the first word to describe this custom version, but the driving experience should be satisfying nonetheless. Thanks to reader Jack M. for spotting this curious oh-so-Japanese high-roller, and to Wikipedia for some details. Check out more pictures and details on Facebook Marketplace where $8000 makes it yours, reduced from $11,000.
Warm wood and an analog clock class up the all black cabin. The driver’s seat show the wear you’d expect on claimed 159,000 mile leather, and the description reports the seat as “not working.” The seller also graciously point out some other imperfections, but the air conditioning is described as “ice cold.”
Other than the retro chrome bumper, the body kit mainly fancifies the rear styling. I’m a big fan of the stock appearance of the two-year-only second-gen M45, but tip your hat to Mitsuoka for rendering a complete and uncontrived visual transformation.
Here’s the Nissan VK45DE V8, slightly more visible than normal without the engine cover. Mechanically this car also sports a “350Z Brembo front brake upgrade” and a “300ZX rear brake upgrade,” according to the listing. The third-generation M45 won more accolades, beating the vaunted BMW 5-series V8 in at least one head-to-head magazine test, but (unlike the stock 2003 M45) suffered from bland and overly Nissan-like styling.
If this image gave you a chill, it’s probably a subconscious reaction from seeing the 1977 movie, “The Car” on late night TV years ago. The movie featured a similar-looking evil self-driving car that’s even more terrifying than those sold today. Joking aside, this is what absurd luxury looks like in Japan, and it’s even more bold and unique here. Do you have the right stuff to drive this V8 Japanese custom?
The seller is only a couple more huge price reductions away from getting rid of this thing.
Hmmmm, looks like a high school shop project!
How do these Mitsuoka travesties keep getting into the US under 25 years of age?
And it’s also (supposedly) registered in California,
which is about the only state that doesn’t allow cars
like this when they’re over 25 years old.
Because it’s a body kit added to a car that was sold in the US.
I wonder if there’s a Japanese word for “pimpmobile”?
Reminds me of the Rolls-Royce grille on a beetle, but I kind of like this…
I see the proverbial ‘mud fence’ makes an appearance. (eye roll)
Anyone remember the movie from the 70’s called The Car
Oh yeah, I do! But that one was a heavily customized Lincoln Continental MK III. Watched it on Svengoolie a few months back. A true cult classic!
It draws attention alright, but not so much in a positive way!
So custom and ugly all in one.
Wow!!! Todd is right about that head on photo. This does look like “The Car”. I remember watching that as a kid when it came out in the 70’s. It even looks a little angry. I don’t remember hearing the name of this company before, or even seeing one of these. Its unique, for sure and looks like its in good shape. You’d be the only one at that Cars and Coffee for sure.
It looks cartoonish. On Futurama the robot turns into a “were-car” that looks just like this.
The same designer that designed the F10?
Or the original 200 SX? Ugly, ugly cars! All of them. How can a country put out such ugly vehicles and then send us beautiful like 240Zs and Miatas!