The Pajero Evolution was produced to homologate the most successful Dakar rally car ever made, which took 12 victories from 1985 to 2007, including a 1-2-3 finish in 1998. Around 2,500 road-legal examples were produced for the Japanese market, each featuring Recaro front seats, a wraparound rear spoiler, re-designed bodywork, a unique suspension system, flared wheel arches, and a scooped bonnet. Powered by a 276bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine with the MIVEC variable valve timing system, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive.

The particular example was imported into the UK from Japan in 2008 and was acquired by our vendor in 2014. Our vendor is hugely enthusiastic about this model and has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the vehicle over the past 11 years, taking it on many trips throughout the UK and Europe and he can't praise its capabilities highly enough. During our vendor's tenure, the maintenance has always been carried out by the experts at either Mitsubishi Galashiels or at Mitzy Bitz in Rotherham. The history file is extensive and every year the car has been treated to whatever work it has needed to keep it in fine fettle. A very rare Momo wooden steering wheel has been fitted, worth quite a pretty penny itself and other rare items like the original red flare, jack and toolkit are all still present. These homologation specials are starting to look even better with age and finding a properly maintained one can be very difficult. This example is supplied with an MoT test certificate valid until July 2026, a V5C registration document and an extensive history file. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1997
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Pajero Evolution
Registration: R902 UKH
Chassis No: V55-4401237
Odometer: 118,394

* In present enthusiast ownership for 11 years
* Excellent service history with a detailed record of maintenance
* Homologation special for the most successful Dakar rally car ever