Here’s Your Chance To Own A Historic 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI Prototype

It’s been a while since Mitsubishi built a compelling vehicle but the memory of the Lancer Evolution is still fresh in the minds of many. This Evo VI is one of just seven pre-production prototype cars built in early 1999 for the Japanese press and now it’s up for auction. It even comes with extra parts that Mitsubishi no longer makes.

The car has an interesting history as it was part of a group of prototypes that were never road registered. At the time, Japanese authorities gave Mitsubishi two weeks’ grace for testing, under the condition that they were never to be offered for sale to the Japanese public.

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According to the listing, out of the seven prototypes, four were returned to Ralliart to become rally cars, one was stolen and was never seen again, with the remaining two “sold to friends  Mitsubishi Ralliart on the condition that they would leave the country immediately and not touch Japanese roads given their unregistered status”. This specific prototype was one of the two designated for export with the original owner acquiring it directly from Mitsubishi UK.

Originally purchased in 1999 with just 2,200 miles on the odometer, this Evo VI now has just shy of 84,000 on the clock. That means that the new owner should have no problem using it while not risking its value.

Despite those high miles in a car that’s as rare as this one it’s clear from its history that it’s been looked after. In 2014, the cylinder head was rebuilt. Then in 2018, the owner saw to it to have the Brembo brake calipers and the differential pump rebuilt as well. Even the original O.Z. Racing wheels were refurbished.

The only major flaw of the car is rust. According to the listing on CarAndClassic, it has rust not only on the rear chassis rails but also on the front panel and on the floor of the trunk. There’s no need to worry, though, as OEM rails and a front panel have already been acquired and will be included in the sale.

It’s worth noting, as the listing does, that these parts are no longer available from Mitsubishi so their inclusion is the only way to truly restore this masterpiece to its former glory. That glory includes the renowned 4G63T engine under the hood and the AWD system that was heavily influenced by rally racing.

The only modification to the vehicle is an upgraded stereo in the cabin. The interior itself is in pristine condition just like the bodywork. This Evo VI looks a lot like a time capsule, even if the underbody rust issues will be cause for a restoration.