The Mitsuoka Galue II 3.0, produced between 1999 and 2004, is a unique Japanese automobile that sought to evoke the styling of classic British saloons, particularly those from the 1960s. Built by Mitsuoka Motors, a company known for its limited-production, retro-styled vehicles, the Galue II was never officially exported to the United States. It primarily catered to the Japanese domestic market (JDM) where there was a strong appreciation for British automotive aesthetics. The Galue II represented a niche offering, appealing to buyers seeking a distinctive and nostalgically-styled vehicle with modern mechanical underpinnings. It’s a fascinating example of automotive design that blends tradition with contemporary engineering.
The Mitsuoka Galue II: A Retro Revival
The Galue II wasn’t intended to compete with mainstream sedans. Instead, it occupied a specialized segment, offering a hand-built alternative for those desiring a vehicle with a strong visual connection to British motoring history. Mitsuoka Motors, founded by Susumu Mitsuoka, built its reputation on creating cars that deliberately mimicked the designs of iconic vehicles from the past. The Galue II is a prime example of this philosophy, drawing heavily from the styling cues of Jaguar and Rover models of the 1960s. The car’s design was a deliberate attempt to capture the elegance and sophistication associated with those classic British automobiles.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Mitsuoka Galue II 3.0 is Nissan’s VQ30DD 3.0-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 240 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 309 Nm (227.91 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,600 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle and is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This configuration delivers rear-wheel drive, contributing to a driving experience that aims to emulate the handling characteristics of classic British sports sedans. The weight-to-power ratio of 6.8 kg/Hp (148.1 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.2 kg/Nm (190.7 Nm/tonne) indicate a reasonably responsive performance for its era. The engine’s 80.3 Hp/l specific output demonstrates a respectable level of power extraction from its displacement. The VQ30DD engine was known for its reliability and smooth operation, making it a suitable choice for a vehicle focused on a refined driving experience.
Design & Features
The Mitsuoka Galue II’s most striking feature is its exterior design. The bodywork is a four-door sedan, meticulously crafted to resemble classic British saloons. Key design elements include a prominent chrome grille, rounded headlights, and a generally flowing, elegant silhouette. The interior, while incorporating modern amenities, also aimed to evoke a sense of classic British luxury. Features typically included comfortable seating for five passengers, wood trim accents, and a generally well-appointed cabin. While not equipped with the advanced safety features found in contemporary vehicles, the Galue II did include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as a standard safety feature. The car’s overall aesthetic was a deliberate departure from the more angular and modern designs prevalent in the late 1990s and early 2000s, appealing to a niche market that valued retro styling and craftsmanship.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsuoka |
| Model | Galue |
| Generation | Galue II |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 (240 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 309 Nm @ 3600 rpm / 227.91 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | VQ30DD |
| Engine displacement | 2987 cm3 / 182.28 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm / 3.66 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 73.3 mm / 2.89 in. |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l / 4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1620 kg / 3571.49 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l / 21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal |
| Length | 5060 mm / 199.21 in. |
| Width | 1770 mm / 69.69 in. |
| Height | 1450 mm / 57.09 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm / 110.24 in. |
| Front track | 1500 mm / 59.06 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1500 mm / 59.06 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
The Mitsuoka Galue II 3.0 remains a relatively obscure vehicle outside of Japan. However, it represents a unique and fascinating example of automotive design, demonstrating a commitment to retro styling and a desire to capture the essence of classic British automobiles. Its limited production numbers and distinctive appearance have made it a sought-after vehicle among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its individuality and craftsmanship.
