Registration: R94LGP
Chassis: V554400486
Odometer: 104,000
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: March 2027
- Rare JDM homologation special
- 1 of approximately 2500 built
- 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6
- Engine rebuild in 2024
- In original specification
- Long MOT
The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was a highly specialized off-road SUV developed by Mitsubishi Motors in the late 1990s to dominate endurance rally competitions, particularly the gruelling Dakar Rally. Introduced in 1997, it was essentially a homologation model—meaning a limited number of road-going versions had to be produced to meet racing regulations. Unlike the standard Pajero (also known as the Montero in some markets), the Evolution featured a wider body, advanced suspension, a lightweight chassis, and a powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine designed for high-speed desert performance. Mitsubishi’s engineering paid off, as the Pajero Evolution became one of the most successful rally vehicles of its era, contributing to multiple Dakar victories and cementing the brand’s reputation in off-road motorsport. Today, it is considered a rare and iconic collector’s vehicle, admired for both its racing pedigree and distinctive, aggressive design.
We are pleased to offer this 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution in silver with grey/black cloth interior. The Evo was never officially offered in the UK but this grey import found its way over to us as a grey import in 1998, not long after it had been built. This means that, unlike a fresh import, it doesn’t have a history that requires a degree in Japanese to decipher. Indeed, judging by the plentiful invoices on file and the service book, it was looked after for many years by Station Garage in Aberdeenshire, a Mitsubishi Ralliart-approved dealer. The vendor tells us that in the last couple of years it has had a restoration including a respray. This included an engine rebuild and gearbox service at a cost just shy of £5000.
Pretty isn’t a word to describe the Pajero Evo. An accurate description would be wild, purposeful, brutal even. The super-wide tracks and box arches give it a squat, four-square stance while the twin roof fins and red Ralliart mud flaps complete the rally vibe. Many Evos seem to lose their original alloy wheels along the way, so it’s pleasing to see them here albeit painted black, in-keeping with the aggressive look. Inside, everything appears to have been kept standard. The Recaro front seats are present and correct and the fabric is clean and free from any obvious damage.
The car comes with V5C, past MOTs, a bundle of invoices and service book.
Few cars have as strong a motorsport pedigree as the Pajero Evo – it is the most successful Dakar racer – yet it still represents something of a bargain amongst 90s homologation specials. They remain thin on the ground here in the UK and rarely hit the market, so with a very sensible reserve, if you miss this one you may be kicking yourself for some time to come.
