Description
Car now RESERVED FOR COLLECTORS. Nearly 30 years old!
A bit of history…
After running alongside the WRC cars for almost a year and helping Tommi Mäkinen become world rally champion, the Lancer Evolution IV was replaced by the Evo V in early 1998, and that year it won the world title (4 world titles: 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999).
At the time, it was hard to tell the Lancer Evo V apart from a Group A car, which meant at least 2, 500 units (GSR, TME, RS2, RS) had to be built to comply with FIA regulations. Excellent news for rally fans: in theory, they could buy a Lancer Evo V. The bad news: all Evo Vs were reserved for the Japanese market. You could certainly buy them in other countries, but only through RALLIART import channels. These procedures depend heavily on the importing country and range from easy to impossible, passing through complicated and extremely expensive.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V was then the only Group A car competing for the World Rally Championship title at the time, up against opponents who were all WRC-class. Mitsubishi nevertheless managed to get the best of both worlds.
Highlights:
• 1 owner from new, proven, and 50, 000 km certified!
• Registered in Belgium, 1st owner since January 1999
• Original left-hand drive, European specification. 17-character VIN, not 11 like converted right-hand drive Japanese cars!
• 100 kg lighter and faster than the GSR/ TME. Short gearbox / LSD
• Stored for 20 years, original paint. No scratches
• Only a few dozen built worldwide in genuine European LHD
• Homologation special for Group A production from 1998 to 1999
• 758 RS produced in RHD and LHD in total!
• 100% original
• 2 original keys
Specification:
• 2. 0 turbo, 280 hp 4x4
• Super lightweight: only 1, 260 kg
• Full-time four-wheel drive with 50/ 50 mechanical LSD differentials
• NO ABS, airbags, air conditioning, electric windows or central locking: stripped of everything, as the RS was intended exclusively for competition use!
Servicing and parts:
• Service dated 2024: timing belt, water pumps, spark plugs and oils
• Original options: Cusco reinforced clutch, Brembo brakes, O. Z. wheels. Alarm and audio system fitted by the dealer
• Front bumper upgraded with an original Mitsubishi OEM TME part
• Preventive rust-proofing to the rear and underbody by Mitsubishi in 2024
(see photos)
Condition:
The car starts and drives perfectly. It presents totally stock, even the exhaust is original with its catalytic converter. The seats are the original RS seats. Car in excellent condition, preserved unrestored, beautiful inside and out and underneath too (see photos).
To be done:
• Full service required, except the timing belt, which was done in 2024
• Fuel gauge faulty from sitting idle
• 2002 tyres
• Left black trim strip to be properly secured on the roof
• Intercooler sprayer works but doesn't spray water (period gadget)
Bought new by its first owner in January 1999 in Belgium. The owner drove around 50, 000 km until 2004 before a minor off-road excursion with the car (damage to front right and rear left). The car was taken back, repaired and stored under cover for 20 years by the same Mitsubishi dealer before being sold to me following the end of Mitsubishi's activities in Europe. The vehicle has never been re-registered since 1999 and retains its 1st owner status!
