Mitsubishi Evo VI Tommi Makinen RS: Spotted
The ultimate version of the ultimate Evo, and not as expensive as you might think either
Crying out for decals
So here's an alternative: the Evo that's just like a Makinen but is a little under the radar (as much as an Evo can be) in terms of values. The Evo VI Tommi Makinen RS.
Looks pretty cool, doesn't it? Plain white lends it the impression of an unadorned competition car, the bodywork seemingly desperate for motorsport decals. The Tommi Makinen badges are still there for those on the lookout, there are Ralliart mudflaps and the whole aesthetic is unapologetically focused on fast. You want to look good? Go buy a TT. If you want to go fast, you buy the Evo.
The RS, from what can be found on it, appears even more of the same. Like cars with similar names, this Evo bears all the hallmarks of a classic lightweight special: the glass is lighter, the electric windows are gone, even the central locking is ditched here.
If it isn't needed, it doesn't feature
This imported RS is for sale at a dealer for £15,995. Concerns are raised by an ad that mentions both 'Outstanding Original Condition' as well as a different exhaust and seats, but it looks decent and the mileage is low for a car that's nearly 16 years old. Bet it still feels bonkers to drive too.
At the moment there is a UK-supplied Evo VI RSX at £10K in the classifieds and a TME (in the right colour) at £20,000. Those cars have their appeal certainly, but the prospect of one of the rawest rally reps ever produced made even more so would be very hard to resist.
MITSUBISHI EVO VI TOMMI MAKINEN RS LIGHTWEIGHT
Engine: 1,997cc, 16-valve turbo
Transmission: 5-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 275@2,750rpm
MPG: 23
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2000
Recorded mileage: 63,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £15,995
See the original advert here.
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[Specs: Autosnout]
. That's a pic with the fathers pride and joy from when I was round last autumn.
Would have another in a heartbeat, ideally an RS sprint.
Look out for rust though! Even less underseal on these compared to normal Jap imports.
Would have another in a heartbeat, ideally an RS sprint.
Look out for rust though! Even less underseal on these compared to normal Jap imports.
On track the RS spec cars are fantastic to throw around and can be driven sideways so easily.
My 6 RS models were the most fun Evo I took on a track (and I've been lucky to drive lots of different Evo's on track days). The TME RS was very rare there was supposed to be only a dozen or so in the UK.
The RS models were the base car for motor sport use, hence no AYC but proper limited slip diff's instead, short ratio final drive (a pain on the road) no ABS, quick rack steering (the quick steering made a huge difference compared to a standard models) extra welds on the body/chassis for extra strength and they came with base spec seats (mini cab spec) no electrics (my RS TME had no radio, wind up windows, no c/locking and no aircon), you could even order them with base spec Lancer brakes which the rally car builders would throw away when building a high spec rally car.
In the UK Mitsubishi also sold an RSII model 6 and these cars were great as they had the RS performance features plus came with electrics, aircon etc so were usable day to day - and made a great base for a track car (most of these were sold on 51 or 52 reg at knock down prices.
It's worth noting that a normal Tommi Makkinen Evo6 was really just a GSR with the cosmetic changes, the only technical change of note was a different turbo housing but essentially driving a TME model is the same as driving a normal 6 GSR.
I miss my 6 RS11 more than my RS TME (below) it was previously owned by Russ Swift as one of his stunt cars (hence the silly graphics) and was in one of the Clarkson videos. After I got it I removed this back to plain white paint, most of it just pealed off with the help of boiling water.
They really did come with these base spec seats but it was very easy to swap these out for a set of recaro's from other models. You can see the red stiching on the gear lever trim, that denotes the TME spec.
This RS2 model was one of the last UK registered Evo6' and was much more useable car than the TME Rs as is had creature comforts like A/C, e/windows, stereo etc.
I was lucky to compare 3 of the best 4wd turbo's at the same time with a P1, the RS TME and 350 BHP Evo8 MR Extreme. The 6 RS was the best on track and worst on the road.
For that money - I would be wanting perfection.
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