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, 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 single UK owners, extremely rare and desirable example of the ever popular and historically significant Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR, finished in Palma Red over a dark cloth interior. The car has been owned by our vendor since 2007 when it was imported into the UK, where it has been kept inside most of its life with regular but little mileage. Our vendor says the car is totally standard apart from the Evo X alloys.
Evolution V models are becoming increasingly rare and very collectible, even more so for the Vs finished in Palma Red, which is by far the rarest of the bunch with only around 160 ever being made. This car has covered just over 121,000km, which equates to around 75,000 miles, which isn’t an awful lot for the age of the car. The exterior presents beautifully and is original with all the right decals, very hard to find one, let alone in this condition.
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.
The car has recently had a fair number of consumable items replaced, such as new callipers and Brembo discs and pads, timing belt, full service including diff and gearbox oils, and comes with a few spare parts as well. The car has recently been given an advisory-free fresh MOT with the ticket running until 18th June 2026.
In summary, this is a great opportunity to own a very rare, appreciating classic rallying legend. We believe this is sensibly guided to be a standout piece in a Collection or something to look forward to at the weekend.
Location: North Wales
Seller: Private
Photos: Professional
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