At its heart was Mitsubishi's turbocharged 2.0-liter 4G63 inline-four engine, tuned for significantly higher output than the road-going version. With upgraded intercooling, reinforced internals, and rally-specific engine management, the powerplant delivered strong mid-range torque and rapid boost response—essential for loose-surface stages. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a close-ratio manual transmission and limited-slip differential, providing sharp throttle control and dynamic oversteer characteristics favored by skilled drivers.
The rally-prepared Starion featured extensive modifications for durability and performance. A reinforced chassis, seam-welded body shell, and full roll cage improved rigidity and safety. Heavy-duty suspension components with long-travel dampers allowed the car to handle gravel, tarmac, and rough terrain stages. Wider fender flares accommodated lightweight competition wheels wrapped in rally-spec tires, while upgraded brakes ensured reliable stopping power under demanding conditions.
Visually, the Starion rally car stood out with its boxy 1980s styling, aggressive aero elements, hood vents, and bold period-correct sponsor liveries. Its wide stance and muscular proportions emphasized its performance intent, blending Japanese turbocharged innovation with classic rear-wheel-drive rally dynamics.
Though it competed in an era increasingly defined by advanced AWD systems, the 1986 Mitsubishi Starion rally car remains a memorable example of Mitsubishi's early motorsport ambitions—an important stepping stone that helped pave the way for the brand's later dominance in world rally competition.
This fantastic Mitsubishi Starion has been fully rebuilt and restored. Its purposeful rally specification interior is in superb condition with OMP Sports seats, harness etc. It was rebuilt and recommissioned to compete in the 2023 RAC Rally. The engine was fully rebuilt (a spare engine is included in the sale), forged pistons, steel rods, block strengthening kit, new turbo to name a few of the mechanics which was carried out during the engine rebuild. It has an Omex ECU (no anti lag programmed in and only running on 0.7 boost, so still 100bhp to come!) The gearbox has been rebuilt with works alloy strengthening plate, paddle clutch, rebuilt differential (LSD) with new bearings, larger shafts from the 2.6 wide bodied Starion. All rebuilt coilover Bilstein suspension with new springs and socks, new bushes and joints, all new Mintex pads and all new discs all round. It has a floor mounted pedal box with dash bias adjuster ( it is not Historic due to pedal box and ECU but the standard ECU and pedal box will go with the car) , braided brake lines throughout, fully rebuilt brake callipers, all new poly bushes and mounts etc. The car is painted with Rapter underneath and inside floor, engine bay, inside and underneath painted light grey. The alloy fuel tank is mounted on the floor in the boot and a P2P polycarbonated window kit fitted, lightweight doors, hatch and bonnet. The is a considerable inventory of spares available with this fabulous Rally car including 50 wheels which have all been shot blasted and powder coated and also 40 tyres, useable rare spares including panels and mechanical parts ( some ex Works we understand) , plus a new turbo etc. It is worth mentioning that the seats are just out of date but it the car has just competed in the 2025 (November) RAC Rally also known as the "Roger Albert Clark Rally" which is the number one classic car Rally in Europe and it comes with a current MSA Log book, telemetry performance data. This very special Mitsubishi is ready to compete and is in exemplary condition. Consigned by James Good.
Lot details
Year: 1986
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Starion Turbo
Registration: C484 AEL
Chassis No: JMAA183AMG7400120
Engine No: 4G63DW8261
Odometer: tba
* Fully rebuilt and restored
* Competed in the 2025 RAC Rally 'Roger Albert Clark Rally'
* Superb in every respect
- Fuel
- Body TypesCoupe
- TransmissionManual
- Exterior Colour
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