Mitsubishi 3000GT: Spotted

To GTO, or GTFO? That is the question...

Japanese car manufacturers were very confident during the late eighties and early nineties; not only had they been busy setting up local car plants in the UK, but they were beginning to take on the established European marques by making cars outside their traditional comfort zones. From Honda, we had the NSX. Toyota brought out the Supra. And Mitsubishi gave us this, the 3000GT (or GTO in other markets).

When I say gave, I don't mean literally, since this was one stupidly expensive new car at £35,500 when it came out. By the time this 1998 car arrived, that price had risen to over £42,000. To put that into some form of context, a Porsche 968 was £34,995. Then again, the 968 didn't come with four-wheel steer or four-wheel drive. It didn't have twin turbos to boost its 3.0-litre engine. It didn't even have electronically controlled adaptive dampers, or varying exhaust modes. There was even active aero too. For the nineties, this whole car was a technological marvel.

The Porsche was also lacking in fire power next to the Mitsubishi, with 243hp in the 986 playing to the 'gentlemen's agreement' 286hp in the 3000GT. Many suspect this was a tad conservative considering the Mitsubishi could beat a path to 60mph in 5.8 seconds, despite the excess weight it had to carry around.

And therein lies this cars achilles heel, its heft. Driven within eight-tenths of its potential, the 3000GT felt unflappable and very secure. But, when you tried to explore the outer limits of its capability, that feeling disappeared. The slightly heavy speed-sensitive steering lacked feedback, robbing you of vital information. The car also understeered, no matter what you did with the throttle. Then, with the adjustable dampers set to 'sport', the ride was intolerable on anything less than a freshly rolled bowling green. In stock form, this was not a sports car.

Which is perhaps why so many people modified them, this particular 3000GT being no exception. The engine has been tuned so that it now puts down an indicated 334hp through the wheels; it has a custom exhaust, upgraded brakes and an induction kit. You could go further I am sure, but with so few out there, it might be more worthwhile keeping upgrades subtle and to a minimum in order to protect its longevity and desirability. Clean, cared for cars will always be more appealing than tatty, thrashed ones.

And with that talk of ownership, we're led neatly into a conclusion. The 3000GT isn't the ultimate in driver involvement, but there are other bonuses to ownership of one. Because it is so well equipped, it doesn't feel like some austerity special and could therefore be pressed into more regular service. Being a Japanese car, most of this equipment should still work. And as you drive it, you get to experience one of the the most interesting Mitsubishis in modern history. Sure, the Evos do handle better, but the 3000GT is a bargain semi-supercar, provided you can find a good one. Then there is the cult status that this car enjoys, along with its rarity, which must surely complete the list of ingredients for a future classic. You can be confident of that.

Max Adams

Mitsubishi 3000GT
Engine: 2,972cc, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 286@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 300
MPG: 19.9
CO2: Lots
First registered: 1998
Recorded mileage: 145,000 miles
Price new: £42,409 (1995 facelift)
Yours for: £7,950