Mitsuoka Buddy is retro rebodied Toyota RAV4

Legendary Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka has allowed its creative juices to flow once again to create the Mitsuoka Buddy – a retro '90s American take on the current Toyota RAV4.

Looking more like a Chevrolet Tahoe, or Blazer from 1990, the transformation from RAV4 to Buddy is convincing, with the small Toyota SUV getting an entire new front-end that now features a prominent upright chrome grille and stacked headlight arrangement, plus the introduction of period-correct chrome bumpers and overriders.

At the rear, the comprehensive makeover continues with the RAV4's tail-lights ditched for a set of lamps that look borrowed from a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, while the tailgate itself gets a large rear trim panel with chrome model lettering plastered across it.

Alongside, despite the noticeable RAV4 squared-off wheel-arches and distinct rear C-pillar surfacing, somehow the Mitsuoka still convinces with its 1980s-style wheel and hubcap combo and all-terrain tyres.

All that's missing from the latest coach-built creation is some American muscle under the bonnet, but that aside the Buddy looks right up there with the K11 Micra-based Viewt Jag MkII-lookalike that it made in the early 1990s.

Inside, there's been yet more retro makeover but Mitsuoka has yet to release pics.

Instead, the famous Japanese coachbuilder is expected to post more images closer to the Buddy's official launch on November 26, when the order books open for the retro American-flavoured RAV4.

As well as rebodying current Japanese cars, Mitsuoka has, in the past, also turned its hand to full car-making when it launched the Orochi sports car back in 2006.

Based on a spaceframe chassis, both the coupe and roadster came with scissor doors and a Toyota-derived 3.3-litre V6 powertrain.