2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER

The Evo VIII had some big boots to follow, not only due to its hugely successful predecessors and the ongoing rivalry with Subaru’s Impreza, but it’s safe to say the Evo VIII succeeded with flying colours. First released in March 2003, the Evo VIII was the very first Evo model to have full UK factory approval as, prior to the VIII, Evos were imported on a bit of a nudge and a wink basis through third parties such as Ralliart and therefore weren't covered by Mitsubishi's normal warranty and servicing deals. Ralliart was also moved in-house, forming an integral part of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Europe.

The Evo VIII was offered in a few guises, the 260, FQ300, FQ320, FQ340 and FQ400 variants with the number denoting the rounded power figure the specific car produced. The FQ400 was not only the rarest, with just 100 ever made, but also the most expensive at £47,000 new and the most powerful. It pushed out 405bhp from its 2-litre turbocharged 4G63 inline-four, making it a seriously quick motor car offering 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and topping out at 175mph. Equally capable when the going gets twisty, it infamously humbled a 620bhp Lamborghini Murcielago around the Top Gear test track without breaking a sweat.

Supplied new in December 2004 by Humming Bird Motors UK, this eighth-generation Lancer Evolution is finished in Graphite Grey Mica over a classic Japanese grey interior. It's been enjoyed by two previous owners and has currently covered just 53,252 miles. The car presents really well, the underside has been subject to a professional refresh and preservation and the carbon front splitter is unmarked. Excellent maintenance and service history, the service book shows 15 services and the history file contains multiple maintenance invoices as recent as May 2025. The owners pack is complete and is in as new condition, containing Ralliart manuals, a Certificate of Authenticity confirming the car's unique identification #11, two keys with fobs and a fresh MOT prior to the sale.

There is a certain demographic that doesn't quite understand Evos and Imprezas and their complicated nomenclature, however for those that do, an unmodified Evo VIII with low ownership and low mileage may turn out to be one of your better investments.