Spotted: Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
Harris ponders a small, fast off roader with hints of WRC about it
The list of alternatives is very, very long, so I won’t bore you with them here, but I’ve stumbled across a few of these Pajero Evolutions and simply cannot make up my mind if they’re cool or utterly distasteful. And, if they’re the latter, do they sit so far into the tasteless category that they travel full circle and become cool?
Futhermore, I know nothing about these machines. I have never driven one and only ever seen a couple.
This was the era when Mitsubishi was one of the most exciting and talked-about manufacturers and Tommi Mäkinen was dominating the WRC – so surely some of that genius rubbed off on the Pajero Evo?
Of course, back in 1997, 280hp in a small off-roader was highly amusing, but today even a basic 2003 Cayenne S has 340hp, so like every other sector the game has changed significantly.
But a tatty one of these, minus the rear privacy glass and silly roof accoutrements would, I think, make for an excellent winter machine.
I expect to stand corrected, or at the very least be educated about these rare beasties by someone who knows about them.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO EVOLUTION DAKAR EDITION
Engine: 3,497cc V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Power (hp): 276@6500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 256@4000rpm
Weight: 1786kg
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: January 1998
Recorded mileage: 60,000
Price new: Lots of yen
Yours for: £7,995
See the original advert here.
Not for me. Needs to have full Ralliart addenda, preferably in white or red and splattered with mud.
You don't get one of these to 'go under the radar' and not risk offending peoples sensibilities. That's what battered old Defender's are for!
My old car
They look great in a 90s Tonka kinda way, but it would be a brave soul who went into ownership these days without their eyes wide open. 90s Mitsubishis aren't exactly known for their rust-defying powers and there are a LOT of bespoke parts on these cars...
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