Buy any of these three Evos and you'll possess part of Mitsubishi's unique rally heritage. The 280hp Mitsubishi Evo IV, launched in August 1996, was the first Evo to boast Active Yaw Control (AYC), whilst Tommi Makinen's 1996 success on the World Rally stages guaranteed the initial production run of 6,000 vehicles sold out in just a few days - forcing Mitsubishi to build a further 3,000 cars. 10 per cent of production was given over to the lightweight RS version which lacked AYC, ABS, air conditioning and alloy wheels. The rest were GSR models.
Firdt Evo IV run sold out in a few days
Mitsubishi's Evo V followed in January 1998 - a big improvement on the Evo IV it boasted a wider track, more aggressive styling and Brembo brakes. Calls for the car to be officially imported into the UK however still fell on deaf ears. But UK buyers' prayers were finally answered with the launch of the Evo VI in January 1999. In all, 7,000 Evo VIs were produced, the majority of them in GSR spec.
UK cars - which boast a numbered badge on their centre console - were imported by Mitsubishi Motors and prepared by Ralliart UK. A more basic Evo VI RSX (without AYC and ABS) sold for £25,995.
The most famous Evo of them all - the Evo VI Tommi Makinen - arrived in March 2000, named after Mitsubishi's rally hero. UK Ralliart dealers sold cars for £32,995, with almost all buyers choosing the optional £700 WRC colour pack. Its allure is irresistible, as Darin Frow from the Mitsubishi Lancer Register explains: "The Evo VI and the Tommi Makinen Edition TME are considered by many to be the last real Evo. They're massively popular, capable and eminently tuneable." But rust can now be a problem, whilst finding a standard OE version is even harder. The best examples are now rising in value.
Numerous special editions of the Evo VI were made, including the £41,995 Evo VI Extreme (based on 'Zero Fighter' Japanese limited edition) and the £44,000 Evo VI RS450.
Buy if: you want the car many see as the best iteration of Lancer Evo
Don't buy if: you're looking for a performance bargain with low maintenance costs
We found: 1998 Evo V GSR, white, UK service history, 79K miles, £7,994
Price Guide
Poor: Less than £4,995
Good: £6,000 to £11,995
A1: £12,000+
Special Editions: Evo VI Extreme £12,995 to £16,995, Evo VI RS/GSR 450 £32,995