Beschreibung
This is a very special Mitsubishi Colt GTi 16V - it was originally used on the press launch of the Colt in early 1990 (I have pictures of the car on event) and as such was one of the very first 1800 Colt GTis registered in the country.
30 years and an extensive restoration later I came to acquire it two years ago, and through bringing it to numerous car show it came to the attention of the editor of Modern Classics magazine who featured it in a special cover feature about rare 80s hot hatches - I have copies for the new owner, of course.
In that respect, it was arguably the rarest of all 80s hot hatches. According to HowManyLeft there is only one 1800 currently licenced for UK roads and this is it. Since I've had it I've rebuilt a graunching gearbox at a cost of £1, 200 and I've just replaced the timing belt and balancer shaft belt as well as the hydraulic tappets before giving it a full service ahead of its MOT. After a rear brake calliper rebuilt it has now passed with zero advisories.
I can't 100% guarantee its mileage but the condition of the interior and bodywork would suggest it's probably accurate and the way the car runs and drives belies its 30 years. Everything from the power steering to the brakes to the clutch and gearshift all feel light and crisp and the comfortable seats and excellent ride quality make it an exceptionally comfortable car to drive long distances.
I've kept the original stereo but upgraded the speakers so I can play music from my phone via the aux-in port (fancy for the 90s) and I've also added remote central locking and a remote boot release to mainly preserve the locks and tumblers. It's on good Avon tyres and I've only used high-quality parts when maintaining or working on the Colt.
Any issues? Not many. There is a tiny bit of bubbling on one wheel arch that could do with being dealt with but you'd have to be up close to see it and it's only on the surface - you can feel under the wheel arch the metal is solid. The passenger electric window is a bit cranky, mostly from lack of use I think, but the driver's side is fine, as are the electric windows and all other electronics.
Otherwise it is in top condition and has never let me down and it even comes with a random collection of spares I've been picking up since I got it including a replacement gearbox (it's a weak point on these cars) a new front grille, lots of interior bits including a replacement parcel shelf (no speaker holes in either), a spare intake manifold and mass airflow sensor and two spare alloy wheels.
I absolutely adore my little Colt and its rarity only adds to the fun but without anywhere to store it now, it's sitting under a cover on my driveway and I'd rather it went somewhere warm and dry. This is a useable, nippy, reliable, fun and rare little car that's got some sound provenance behind it - all it needs is a new owner to use it, enjoy it and save it for future generations.
Any questions and queries welcome, as are test-drives (in a COVID-compliant way).
