by The Legendary Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Off-Roader
Rally Racing Heritage
The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution doesn’t enjoy the same iconic fame as the Lancer Evolution, yet it inherited the same rally DNA that made its “brother” a legend. Imagine a wilder relative that left asphalt for sand dunes. Over the years, collectors have begun to appreciate this model, and its value has skyrocketed, which is entirely legitimate.
Mitsubishi created the Pajero Evolution as a homologation model for participation in the 1998 Paris-Dakar Rally.
The brand didn’t limit itself to just cosmetic changes for the off-roader but carried out serious mechanical upgrades, creating the most powerful version of the Pajero in history. Production was limited to approximately 2,700 units, and one such rare specimen is now offered for sale in New York.
Details of the Auction Specimen
This 1997 Pajero Evolution is listed for auction via Bring a Trailer. The car was imported from Japan in 2022. Its odometer shows 218,000 km (approximately 135,000 miles), but for a vehicle built with such robustness, this is unlikely to be a serious obstacle for potential buyers.
While it would have been interesting if Mitsubishi had installed the Lancer Evolution’s 4G63 engine in the Pajero, instead the model received a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 276 hp and 256 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The Pajero Evolution also features a locking center differential, limited-slip front and rear differentials, and a two-speed transfer case. It’s clearly a serious machine for high performance.
Exterior and Interior
Externally, the car looks incredibly stylish. The base model is a two-door Pajero, and the Evolution is distinguished by characteristic front and rear bumpers, hood air intakes, widened wheel arches, and a large rear spoiler. This specimen is painted in Satellite Silver Metallic and retains the original 16-inch wheels.
The interior, as for a late 1990s car, appears outdated by modern standards, but that’s part of its charm. It features a classic four-spoke steering wheel, battery voltage and oil pressure gauges, and a radio. Of course, it’s quite basic equipment, but for its time, it was standard for a homologation model.
Summary for Enthusiasts
For those willing to trade modern comforts for the ability to travel off-road, this Pajero Evolution could be the perfect option. It’s robust, rare, and incredibly appealing in its impracticality. The sale listing is already available, so hurry before someone else makes your next questionable decision for you.
This car is a vivid example of how rally technologies found their way into road models. Its limited production run and unique characteristics make it not only valuable for collectors but also a symbol of an era when manufacturers were not afraid to experiment. Today, similar models are gaining increasing popularity among car enthusiasts seeking not just a means of transport, but a piece of automotive history.
