1996 MITSUBISHI GTO

Described by the owner as an underappreciated classic that is great fun to drive, this 1996 Mitsubishi GTO (known globally as the 3000GT) boasts an aggressive silhouette and has the performance to match. This is the more powerful twin-turbocharged version of the model, running a 3.0-litre 24 valve DOHC V6 with 206kW/276bhp and 425Nm of torque going through a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. The odometer shows 262,257 km.

Manufactured for the Japanese market, the car was later imported to Australia and has been in the care of its current owner for seven years. It is currently unregistered.

The aforementioned aggressive bodywork is in good condition, with all panels being straight and with no major damage reported. During its life, the car was damaged on the right rear quarter panel by another car merging into it. However, this was not a serious collision, resulting only in some paint transfer, a minor dent above the wheel arch and a scratch on the side skirt. The rear right quarter panel and side skirt were then repaired and repainted by RACQ. Its aftermarket Koya Racing wheels are in good condition, presenting with some kerb damage.

Paintwork is in fair to good condition, and the owner reports some swirling in the paint and minor scratches throughout, as well as some dulling of the paintwork on the upper side of the passenger rear quarter panel. There are general stone chips around the front bumper and flanks, plus a few spots of lacquer peel. The carbon-fibre bonnet presents with some damage to the gel coat, which could be repaired and buffed back to a smart finish in the future. There are also scuffs on the underside at the front from being so low to the ground.

The original interior is in good condition. There is some wear on the seat bolsters from climbing in and out of the car, and the headrests are beginning to fade. Unsurprisingly, the leather gear knob and handbrake grip also show some use. Patches of wear are also visible in the passenger footwell carpet. Controls and electronics all work correctly; however, the active exhaust switch does not work, as those components have been removed.

The owner replaced spark plugs in January 2021 and performed an engine oil and filter change in November 2020. The GTO received a major service at 190,000 km in December 2016, by Drift King Automotive in Geebung. The full list of works for this visit is included with the car and in the accompanying photos, and notably included a cam belt change.

The brakes, radiator, cooling system and ignition system have also been serviced or refurbished during the owner’s custodianship of the car. Otherwise, oil changes were carried out every 5,000 km; while the differential, transfer case and gearbox oils were changed every 20,000 km, and spark plugs replaced as needed.

The car features some modifications, including new sports suspension, a Seibon carbon-fibre vented bonnet, semi-forged Koya Racing wheels in gunmetal grey, and a Mishimoto radiator and fan shrouds.

It received a roadworthy certificate in December 2019, and the owner is unaware of any warnings or advisories presented at the time. Tyres are two-year-old Michelin Pilot Sport 4 items in good condition with around 70% tread life remaining. The GTO will be sold with a compliance reproduced owner’s manual, factory Japanese sales brochure, and various maintenance receipts.

Talking about the handling of the car, the owner praised its ability to hug the road and feel stable at high speed, while also being able to relax into a tamed grand tourer when desired. If you have been seeking a clean and mechanically sound Japanese import, this twin-turbocharged Mitsubishi GTO could prove to be the perfect addition to your garage – and with some cosmetic attention, it could be brought back to an impressive standard.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.