From the Classifieds: 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution

Manufacturers love a homologation special, and more often than not the finished product ends up being epic: Ford RS200, Toyota Celica GT-Four, Audi Sport Quattro, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Lancia Stratos… the list goes on.

All of these vehicles are masterpieces in one way or another, but they all stem from the world of circuit racing or the WRC – there’s really very little in the way of genuinely hot off-roaders born out of homologation regulations.

Well thankfully Mitsubishi proved much better at winning the infamous Dakar Rally than it was the WRC and gifted the world the fantastic Pajero Evolution as a result.

Produced from 1997-1999, less than 2700 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolutions ever came out of Japan but that didn’t stop its creators throwing the kitchen sink at it to create one of the most formidable factory off-roaders ever conceived.

Based loosely on the second-generation Pajero, the ‘Paj Evo’ came to market with one of the most boisterous body kits ever applied to a 4x4 and hit the ground running with an armada of off-road performance hardware.

It featured fully independent front (double wishbone) and rear (multi-link) suspension, SuperSelect 4x4 system, Torsen differentials on both axles, Recaro seats, a five-speed transmission and a 3.5-litre V6 engine good for 209kW/348Nm.

Aluminium body panels and components, the three-door body style and sparce interior ensured the hottest Pajero ever was light-footed over all terrain and had plenty of clearance for when things got technical.

The Pajero Evo is so rare there is just one genuine example listed for sale on carsales at the time of writing.

This silver 1997 example has covered just 113,564km since it rolled off the production line almost 30 years ago and is still fitted with all its original hardware, less consumables like tyres and service items.

“No.1598 of approx 2600, this is a lovely original and well-maintained example of the Pajero Evolution,” the seller says in the description.

“Recent major service including timing belt, water pump, pulleys and all belts and hoses.

“Some other spares will be included in this reluctant sale.”

No reason is given for the sale but the $55,000 asking price appears more than reasonable for what is ultimately one of the world’s greatest homologation specials and an increasingly desirable vehicle that’s now almost instantly recognisable on the road.

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

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