1997 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution for sale. Current registration is M15 TMX with the mileage reading 112,000-miles/180,000km (odometer remains in KM with the speedo reading MPH as from factory). MOT until 19th May 2026, first imported to the UK in 2001.

These are brilliantly quirky cars with around 2500 made between 1997-1999 in order to meet homologation requirements for the Dakar T2 class. I’ve owned this particular car since 2023 and while it’s undergone a fair amount of work to make it right, it’s been a mega fun process and always gets the (right) kind of attention. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to use it as much as I should, as well as having various other projects I’d like to finish this year too.

Work carried out during my ownership: October 2025 it went to Brooklands Automotive for paint and a general tidy at a cost of £4850. In addition to the bodywork, Brooklands Automotive also fitted brand-new genuine Evolution decals, RalliArt mudflaps, OEM Mitsubishi carpets and badges. These new old-stock parts were sourced via EVO Shop GmbH at a cost of £780.

In May 2025 the engine was replaced by Laslo @ EVO Shop GmbH after a faulty injector caused it to run lean and be damaged. This was done at 110,000-miles and replaced with a stock Evolution engine that had covered 82,000-miles. Before installation it had the following completed: new injectors, coilpacks, new engine mounts, bearing shells, timing belt kit and all other service items (including oil and air filters) as well as a coolant kit and new oil pressure sender.

Most recently the suspension (springs and dampers) were replaced for new OE items by Craig @ Dyno Torque who also installed a new gauge pod, rectified a sticking driver window motor and straightened/refitted the OE sump guard. Other additions include:

- Genuine 15x9in OZ Racing Route Rally wheels (including 5th spare) with Toyo Mud Terrain tyres all round

- Full 2.5in exhaust system by SR Autobodies including 2 x silencers and v-band fitments throughout

- Touchscreen headunit/tablet (previously installed) with active subwoofer and amp hidden under the passenger seat

The interior is otherwise standard and while it could benefit from a decent clean and a few new screws/bolts, the Recaro seats, steering wheel and other trim is damage-free and complete. Locking centre diff & super select 4WD system is fault-free and works as expected, and there’s also a Clifford alarm/immobiliser fitted along with remote start.

It’s a wicked thing and I’ve loved owning it the last three years. Admittedly I’ve spent more than I’d have liked getting it to this stage, but with how rare these are now becoming and how tricky it can be to get certain parts (specifically badges, decals & trim) it was worth the extra cost so it can be enjoyed properly in the future.

It’s not perfect; there are various screws and bolts which are corroded and could do with being replaced to finish it off but any maintenance or work it’s required I’ve always kept on top of. I also have several spare (new) ball joints that can be included in the sale too, along with invoices from my ownership of the work listed and the service history dating back to its import too.