Description
This car is Lot 168 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 168
1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR
Registration no.
Chassis no. CP9A0005862
1, 997cc Turbocharged DOHC 4G63T Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Multipoint Fuel Injection
276bhp at 6, 500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent D2 Suspension
4-Wheel Ventilated Brembo Disc Brakes
* Rarely seen in the United States
* Nicely sorted and tastefully uprated
* Classic Scotia White colors
* A chance to taste of Japan's 'Forbidden Fruit'
THE MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO
Having consistently won plaudits in the world of rallying since entering the fray in 1973, Mitsubishi seriously upped the ante in 1992, when they announced their ambition of actually winning the WRC.
By the time the Evolution V emerged into the spotlight, the firm had very much got the hang of evolving increasingly impressive iterations of the rally-inspired Lancer. Launched in 1998 the Lancer Evolution V was not just a performance upgrade it was a statement. With wider tracks, flared arches, and a dramatically larger rear wing, the Evo V looked every bit the road-going rally car.
Under the skin, it featured revised suspension geometry, Brembo brakes, and an upgraded turbo delivering a claimed 276bhp though many believe the true output was higher. The Evo V's chassis was stiffer, the steering sharper and the handling more adjustable than ever before. The car could dart into corners with brutal precision, rotate under throttle like a go-kart, and exit with all four tires clawing at the road. The formula was proven in WRC where the Evo V took both the Driver's and Manufacturer's Championship titles in 1998the only Mitsubishi to do so.
Mitsubishi would go on to develop four more Evolutions, each with increasing levels of sophistication and power. But many fans still regard the Evo V as the purest of the breed offering the best combination of performance, looks, and rally-bred DNA before the cars grew heavier and more refined.
THE CAR OFFERED
A forbidden fruit here in the US, this Evolution V GSR was brought to the US from Japan in 2023, shortly after its 25th birthday. Finished in classic Scotia White over Black and Grey microsuede inside, this example appears to have been carefully maintained and enjoyed over the years. Prior to coming stateside, it is reported that it was properly refurbished with new paint, an engine and transmission rebuild, and more. A compression and leak down test by the recent owner indicated that it is unlikely that more than 20, 000 kilometers have been driven since the rebuild.
In the present ownership, a new D2 suspension kit has been fitted, TE37 lightweight wheels, new axles installed, and fluids have been flushed and refreshed. Enjoyed on several road trips into the mountains during the current ownership, it is complete with a box of hard-to-find spares including NOS trim parts, door handles, turn signals, and more.
It's been nearly 30 years since Gran Turismo helped stir a fervor among American enthusiasts for machines like this. Time to strap in and live out those childhood fantasies.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
