1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution

Description

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution

Reg: R479 KAX

Mileage: 102,650 miles (165,711 kms)

Transmission: Automatic

MOT: August 2027

Price: £24,995 Ono

In the mid 90’s the Paris Dakar and similar Rally Raid events opted to abolish the fastest prototype competition vehicles and brought in a new T2 class for modified production cars. As a result, Mitsubishi opted to homologate the 2^nd generation Pajero and the Evolution was born. Just 2500 road versions were made and came with a long list of changes so the specification could be accepted into the new rally category. This included a unique V6 engine with variable valve timing and high lift cams that produced between 280-300bhp mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox with sequential sport mode.

The 4x4’s extra widebody housed wider tracking and a trick AWD system with centre locking differential, front and rear LSD’s as well as high/low range gearbox with switchable AWD. The stock live rear axle was replaced with a multilink fully independent setup and the front torsion bars made way for a coilover with double wishbones. A quicker steering rack was also specified along with heavy duty steering joints. To take the hits of a rally raid the chassis and body were also strengthened. A heavy-duty skid plate and Raliart mud flaps protect the aluminium widebody kit and aero bumpers. The trick bits continue on the inside with Recaro front seats and various handy gauges including voltmeter, oil temp and compass on the centre dash. As you can see Mitsubishi were not messing around when it came to making sure they won the Dakar in 1997 and 1998.

This particular Evolution was imported in 2018 and has had just 2 previous owners in the UK. In 2019 it was purchased by its current owner and has been used to take to shows in the last 7 years, covering less than 2000 kms. The truck is at an ideal mileage where it can be used and enjoyed but will still continue to rise in value. You really can’t go wrong with a limited run collector car that you can use all year round.

This Scotia white example drives really well and as you would expect for a 90’s AWD with a separate chassis. The gearbox is impressively smooth for a 90’s autobox, one of the best I have driven, and the engine has plenty of torque. It attracts serious attention from other car enthusiasts, but to general public it’s just another 4x4. Being unrestored it presents very well for its age on the inside, outside and underneath with just general age-related marks on the body, some chips on the roof, very light surface rust on the chassis and some front seat bolster wear on the driver side. The chassis and body are in an impressive condition for an unrestored vehicle. The AWD system, low range and diff lock all work as they should. The Pajero does feature some aftermarket parts and options including super light Enkei Baja rally wheels, aftermarket rear silencer and Sony radio. There is also a spotlight mount bull bar and Pajero wind deflectors.

Although paperwork history is limited for the car it does feature 7-8 JDM service stickers under the bonnet and in the driver’s door recess showing it had been maintained over the years. A previous owner assures us that many of the suspension components were changed during their ownership. Sadly, other history has been lost so we opted to have the cambelt done including tensioners, pulleys and water pump. The factory crank bolts are known for stretching so this was replaced with a revised part at the same time. The car also received a fresh set of 33” all-terrain tyres and a new MoT. The sale also includes some new suspension components that are unique to the Evo and will come in use at some point for its new owner. A roof rack is also included, which has been fitted regularly. The owner notes that the electric mirrors do not fold, a centre dash vents are damaged and tool kit is incomplete. We also have additional images available upon request, as well as a walk-around video. This car is being sold on a commission-based sale-or-return basis on behalf of a private seller. Viewing is by appointment only. We can also assist with delivery and export if required.