The Evo has been the pin-up car for Mitsubishi for years and the success on the world rally stage has cemented it firmly into the minds of many petrol heads has the car to have. Here’s a chance for someone to own one of these influential and head-turning special edition machines made in recent years, and one that seems to be appreciating in value and desirability.

The Makinen Evo 6, or 6.5 as it is affectionately named in fan circles, was created to celebrate the Flying Finn’s success with 4 back to back championship wins from 1996. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just an Evo with some fancy stickers and Tommi’s name plastered here and there. No, this has some serious tweaks that give it the edge over the standard car. 

It’s lower and stiffer with a quicker steering rack and a clever turbo that has a titanium turbine wheel and a slightly smaller compressor wheel for improved response. The livery of course instantly sets it apart from the standard editions, mirroring the Marlboro scheme of Tommi’s winning car. The world only received 2500 of the TME and as Mitsubishi pulls out of the UK they can only become more desirable.

 This car was originally registered in Japan until imported into the UK in 2019. Finished in Scotia White when it arrived but has been wrapped in Carmine Red professionally in late 2021 which includes all shuts and then has been ceramic coated. 

There has been particular attention to detail in providing a high-quality finish. There’s a good paper trail showing that attention to detail has continued in the care and maintenance of the car too along with receipts showing certain performance enhancements like the stage one re-map and the new Cusco rear differential. The car also has never suffered any damage while in Japan, or in the UK.

 As you would expect this car possesses a file of information appertaining to its importation, subsequent wrapping, and maintenance. The upgrades and modifications are also well documented as is the all-important cambelt change.  

There is a V5 present, that shows the previous keepers name. This is due to the vendor registering the vehicle in his business name, which does not issue a log-book.

The interior of the Tommi Makinen Edition does have some differences over the standard models and in particular the Recaro seats are emblazoned with Tommi’s name. The interior has fared well but there is a burn on the rear seat that is the only apparent blemish spoiling an otherwise great interior. 

The steering wheel has been replaced with a motorsport style rim and the upper dash surround has been replaced with an after-market variant that encompasses 3 small instruments. The owner still possesses the original items should the new owner wish to return them to the original. 

The exterior has already been described and has a really good finish to it and the wrap was done at quite an expense. That said the original and apparently clean Scotia White scheme is intact beneath should anyone want to remove the red wrap. 

The front bumper was also an optional extra and contains a pair of fog lights again, a rare addition. The underside has also been carefully cleaned and protected and I have been assured that there has been no repairs or welding required. 

The white Enkei wheels have been fully refurbished and are shod in new Toyo Proxes tyres. You may notice that the car does have an attractive registration plate? Although not included in the final value of the car, it can be made available for an additional fee.

It goes without saying that the mechanics of the Evo is what makes it such a great rally car and the TME is no exception. In standard trim they are formidable but the Makinen has that little extra something, the quick rack, lowered suspension and modified turbo all add to the experience. 

However, add to that a stage one re-map, a Cusco uprated rear diff and a set of BC Racing Coil-Overs all fitted by the previous owner, raises the bar yet again. There is plenty of paperwork available to show what’s been done and also identifies that the engine has been maintained and has had the required cambelt change.

 Evos are fast becoming a modern classic and when one of the rare ones comes up for sale there’s sure to be a lot of interest. This TME has been treated to various sympathetic upgrades that in no way detract from its originality. 

The Tommi Makinen Edition is far from a shrinking violet and commands a huge presence wherever it may be, and it has every right to shout its pedigree from the rooftops because it does have an illustrious past. Far more than just a commemorative version with an extra spoiler and a name sticker, this is a real competition thoroughbred that I’m pretty sure every petrol head would want to own. 

Buy it to use it, buy it to look at it or buy it as an investment, whatever you want to do with it be assured that you will have purchased one of the most iconic Lancer Evos ever built.