From the Classifieds: 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer GSR

Everybody’s heard of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution – Evo for short – but not too many people would know Mitsubishi used to offer a semi-skim alternative before the late-model Lancer Ralliart…

It was called the Lancer GSR and it took most of what made the Evo such a formidable rally weapon (ie: turbocharged performance, compact dimensions and all-wheel drive), then bundled it into a cut-price, more user-friendly package.

The GSR largely served as the springboard for the early Evos, much like the Hyundai i30 SR was the launch pad for the raucous i30 N, and while it couldn’t match the Evo for outright ability, it could still upset a lot of unsuspecting V8 drivers.

Hiding under the bonnet was a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine outputting 141kW/255Nm and driving all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

Zero-100km/h was claimed to take 7.8 seconds, which isn’t all that fast by today’s standard, but for an unassuming 1990s small car it was bordering on outlandish, as was its 3.7sec 80-110km/h roll-on acceleration time.

Such was the basic but sporting intent of the GSR that air-conditioning was a $1700 optional extra… fitted by the dealer.

Only a few of these cars are left on Australian roads – partly because they’re overshadowed by the monstrous Evos, but also because they were only offered here from 1992 to 1996.

GSR classified ads are therefore few and far between, but there are currently two listed for sale on carsales including this 1994 example with a hugely impressive 459,604km showing on the clock.

Astronomical mileages aren’t uncommon for early Japanese runabouts, but performance cars are very rarely driven gently and so they often don’t make it past 250,000km – whether it be due to mechanical failure or a crash, and regardless of whether it’s a Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan or Toyota.

According to the listing, the seller is the fourth owner of this particular GSR, which has been upgraded through its life with coilover suspension, a new audio head unit and, more recently, an Exedy heavy-duty clutch and fresh Dunlop performance rubber.

The current owner has understandably replaced the engine’s rear main seal during his 3000km ownership experience, as well as a wheel bearing, both of which are common maintenance requirements on a vehicle with such high mileage.

The seller also says the car’s original delivery documents are included, and that the car’s history/previous ownership is fully documented and accounted for, although it’s currently running on non-transferable club registration.

“Not often do you see them [GSRs] in unmolested condition,” the seller says in the description.

“With Jap cars constantly on the rise, it is rare to find something with such character without remortgaging the house.”

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

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