2002 Mitsubishi 3000 GTO

Highlights

• JDM specification Mitsubishi GT
• Naturally aspirated V6
• Twin sports exhaust system
• Well-preserved and maintained
• Smart, original example

Overview

It took the PlayStation Generation to really sit up and take notice of the Mitsubishi 3000 GT - or GTO as it was known in the Japanese Domestic Market from which many sports models of the era that are now in the UK originate.

Often overlooked when it was officially imported for being heavier, slower and less agile than obvious rivals such as the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra, the Mitsu’s USP was in its engineering – something that the brand has always been renowned for. There’s a reason why, once upon a time, Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz were joined at the hip, and a desire to engineer cars to be better than they needed to be was very much a part of that alliance.

It may not have been as quick or as sharp as its peers, but with its active aerodynamics, four-wheel-steering and creak-free cabin, it was a better car than them in many ways and had a feeling about it of being much better made. It also had pop-up headlamps, and they add at least 150bhp to any car, right?

Such things are academic these days, anyway. PlayStation pioneers are in their forties, the GTO is over three decades old itself, and like most cars of its era – especially the sporty ones – it is agonisingly, devastatingly cool. In an automotive landscape full of oversized, overheight amorphous blobs, the two-door Mitsubishi is nothing short of spectacular. And that means good examples are sought after.

This one is a 1991 JDM-spec GTO, with the non-turbo 6G72 24v V6 engine and 222bhp. It was imported to the UK in 2003 and has been with its current owner since 2013, always garaged and well cared-for.

History and documentation

• UK V5C in the name of the private vendor
• MOT December 2024
• BIMTA Certificate of Authenticity confirming the car was built in November 1991
• Copy of previous owner’s V5
• Some old MOTs
• Selection of invoices for servicing and parts purchased by the vendor since 2013, including one large invoice for a cambelt service in 2018
• Cherished number plate included in sale

Interior

• Smart charcoal and grey cloth sports seats with woven inserts
• Electric adjustment and lumbar support on driver’s seat
• No fabric damage or major wear
• Some minor staining to seat facings
• Carpets and door trims in very good condition
• Excellent dashboard
• Original Japanese-frequency radio along with aftermarket DAB/FM/AM head unit
• Some wear to leather on steering wheel rim
• Digital air conditioning
• Tailored floor mats
• Electric windows
• Central locking
• New alarm and immobiliser system fitted in 2022
• Removable and retractable rear luggage cover

Exterior

• Original black paint in largely good condition, with minor signs of wear and some small marks and chips
• Light scratch on offside rear quarter
• Five-spoke alloy wheels with some rim damage
• Recent full Lanoguard rustproofing treatment
• Pop-up headlights
• Rear spoiler
• Headlights replaced in 2018
• Generally well-presented and highly original car

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre 24v twin cam V6
• Four-speed automatic with Sport and Hold modes
• Overdrive
• New cambelt fitted in 2018, only 8,000 miles since
• Four-wheel-drive and steering
• Recent new battery
• Sports twin exhaust with fantastic soundtrack

Summary

Technologically fascinating and incredible to look at, the Mitsubishi 3000 GTO is a car that was ahead of its time when new and has a ferociously loyal following – and with good reason.

This one is a really straight and well-cared-for example in smart and original condition, in one of the best colours and from long-term enthusiast ownership. It has a huge amount going for it and would take very little in the way of effort or expense to get it to the next level. Or just use it as it is – the choice is yours. It’s a brilliant thing, and it looks amazing.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Shropshire.