MITSUBISHI LANCER 5TH GEN

Background:
Mitsubishi had enjoyed much success in rallying all around the world since 1973 with their Galant, Lancer and Starion. However, in 1992, the decision was made to fully commit to winning the World Rally Championship (WRC). Utilising the best of the technologies established through previous years, including their much refined four-wheel drive S-AWC system (Super-All Wheel Control), the Lancer GSR Evolution model series was launched. True to its name, the series has undergone an ongoing evolution process ever since its introduction, with improvements in engine performance and handling leading to the Evolution II in 1993 and the Evolution III in 1995.

The Evolution V continued the process with a further increase in engine torque and substantially improved handling, thanks to a wider track and upgraded Brembo braking. Its 2-litre, DOHC, intercooler-turbocharged, four-cylinder engine now used an upgraded intercooler, enlarged nozzle area in the twin-scroll turbocharger, lighter pistons, an upgraded radiator and oil cooler to produce 276bhp. Launched in January 1998 and produced for only a year, the Lancer Evolution V took up the motorsport mantle, at least in terms of the WRC. A new ruling allowing a bigger body gave Mitsubishi the opportunity to extend the previous model's platform, increasing brake and wheel size, adding 10mm to its track and displaying, for the first time, flared arches and much more aggressive styling.

The Car:
This is a low-ownership, extremely desirable example of the ever-popular and historically significant Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5, finished in Pyrenees Black over a black cloth interior.

It has recently had an oil change and cambelt change in the last week and has been meticulously looked after by the vendor, who has repaired it on an as and when basis with no expense spared. The car was imported in 2008, with just four owners since then. The mileage is in kilometres, having just ticked over 92,000km, which equates to around 60,000 miles. It has a varied amount of service history; the last few years of which have been maintained by the owner who is a mechanic and has taken good care of it.

The car is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged inline-four (4G63) with an impressive 276bhp, powered by all four wheels, taking the car from 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds — quick by today’s standards, let alone 27 years ago.

Location: Flintshire

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional