Rare 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution With Manual Box Up For Auction In The US

What you see here is indeed a rarity, and perhaps one of the coolest – and most obscure – throwbacks from the 1990s. Appearing on popular US enthusiast cars auction site Cars & Bids late last week, this 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was one of 2,500 units built to meet homologation regulations for  entry into the gruelling Dakar Rally.

As a brand, Mitsubishi made a big splash in the world of rally racing throughout the 1990s. Besides winning four World Rally Championship driver’s titles in a row with Tommi Mäkinen from 1996 to 1999, Mitsubishi  also took five Dakar Rally victories in the same decade – 1992, 1993, 1997, and 1998.

The latter effort is what spawned this Pajero Evolution homologation special pictured, which was produced between 1997 and 1999. Known by its V55W chassis code, it underpinned the second generation Pajero (or Montero in select markets) model and featured a host of extensive modifications to meet the Dakar Rally's production-based T2 class specifications then.

Setting the Pajero Evolution apart from the regular short-wheelbase Pajero variant was its extreme bodykit complete with widened and flared wheel arches plus fin-like rear spoilers, hood scoop, as well as its sporty skid plates and mud flaps, not forgetting a sporty set of 16-inch alloy wheels too.  Underneath, the chassis was also strengthened with the adoption of independent suspension all around – double wishbones up front plus multi-link type rear.

Crucially, the Pajero Evolution also had a beefed up powertrain to match starting with a 3.5-litre V6 MIVEC DOHC 24-valve naturally aspirated mill that developed 276 HP and 348 NM. Said mill was mated with Mitsubishi’s signature four-wheel-drive (4WD) featuring front and rear Torsen differentials, and the choice between a modified five-speed automatic with manual shifting mode, or a proper five-speed manual.

Making this unit pictured extremely rare is the fact that it’s primed with the latter manual transmission type, of which just 500 units were reportedly built. Arguably, the manual option would be what most dirt-busting rally or avid 4x4 off-road enthusiasts would want in such a car.

Now, this rather unappreciated classic Dakar raider is for sale at the right bid in the US. Despite its rather high mileage count of 208,989 KM advertised, we reckon the sheer rarity of this unit will prevail in attracting the right buyer and price. At the time of writing, this Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution’s highest bid stands at US$41,000 (approx. RM186,940) with about a day left on its bidding time on Cars & Bids. 

What do you think then, folks? Will this rare and rather underrated 1990s homologation special sell for higher? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…

Source & Images: Cars & Bids