This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic and Classic Cars 2024 on Saturday the 18th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. Mitsubishi vs. Subaru is arguably one of the longest standing friendly rivalries in the motoring world and has been going on as long as the two companies have been involved in competitive motorsport. The philosophy of 'anything you can do, I can do better' was undeniably adopted by both, meaning the quality of cars produced and the levels of battle preparation increased exponentially. With Subaru producing the 'Version' cars, the P1, and the 22B alongside Prodrive, Mitsubishi responded with the Tommi Mäkinen, the TME RS and the heaviest hitter of the Evo VI range, the RS450 eXtreme. It is a punchy manoeuvre to put 'eXtreme' in the title of anything, as one rightfully expects it to be the rawest variant, but thankfully Mitsubishi put its money where its mouth is, and the RS450 earned that title with its hardcore persona.
Built exclusively for the UK-market and in incredibly small numbers, it's believed that just four RS450 eXtremes were ever built, with just three remaining. They were prepared by Ralliart prior to their incorporation into the main Mitsubishi fold, essentially operating as a very well known 'skunkworks' division, taking the fight to Subaru’s Prodrive. Unlike later Evos, where the number following ‘FQ’ denoted the horsepower of the vehicle, the ‘450’ in RS450 denotes the Nm/ torque pushed out by the 2-litre turbocharged 4G63 engine, with 380bhp. This car’s Ralliart-prepared engine produces around 438bhp and 412lb/ ft of torque, applied to the tarmac via the four-wheel drive system but no longer fitted with the Anti-Yaw Control (AYC) and Anti-Lock Brakes as weight-saving measures.
Generating over 350bhp from a relatively small displacement engine was no easy feat, but was achieved with a competition-spec crankshaft, forged connecting rods and forged pistons, in addition to high-lift cams, competition head gasket and lightened valves. This car has a few mechanical modifications and upgrades including an MHI turbocharger, C-Tec 3'' modular elbow and downpipe, Prospeed 3'' stainless steel exhaust, Radtec high-capacity intercooler, Exedy twin-plate clutch and a phosphor-bronze gear linkage bush kit.
Not only does it generate more power, but the handling has been sprinkled with modern upgrades to cope with the higher power output including KW Clubsport coil-over suspension with adjustable front top mounts, NR brake ducts for extra cooling and Speedline Turini 18" alloy wheels shod in Toyo R888R semi-slick tyres. The original and hugely desirable Work Meister wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are also included in the sale.
This UK-supplied, right-hand drive example is finished in Scotia White, is in good overall condition inside and out, and belies its 61, 850 miles rather well. The car is accompanied by the original owner's handbook, document holder and toolkit as well as paperwork detailing a lot of the maintenance carried out in recent years.
On offer from a significant private Collection, this is a special opportunity to acquire one of the rarest Lancer Evolutions ever built and we welcome and encourage your inspection at our Supercar Fest Sale.