1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION V GSR

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR is a rare sight on UK roads, with only imported cars making it to these shores. Presented in very good condition, with apparent low mileage and relatively subtle modifications, this is surely one of the smartest examples available. A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine sends around 276bhp to all four wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, giving this four-door saloon rally car performance. The odometer indicates 48,253 miles.

Believed to have been first registered in February 1998, it was only imported to the UK very recently by marque specialist CPP Motor Developments, and was re-registered here in December 2019. It was then sold to its current custodian, who has owned the car for around nine months. Since arriving in the UK, it has only ever been run on high-octane fuel.

The seller reports that the bodywork is in excellent condition, and certainly the photos below do not appear to show any damage or unsightly blemishes. In particular, the alloy wheels appear to be in super order, having been refurbished recently, while the paintwork and badges also present very well.

The seller notes that some of the Scotia White paintwork has been refurbished and touched up to repair a few marks on the front and rear bumpers. He has also treated the car to a full front end paint protection film (PPF) application, and has kept it in a dry garage under cover when not in use.

This car’s cabin seems to be in generally very good order, with some discolouration to the upholstery that is arguably to be expected from a 22-year-old vehicle. The seller says the door cards have been refurbished, and that there is some fraying to the passenger seat. That aside, the dashboard, boot trim and carpets appear to be in superb condition, with original fittings. No faults have been noted.

When this car was imported to the UK, the car was given a major service by CPP at 46,520 miles. A full chassis and mechanical overhaul was carried out, with all steel items blasted and power coated, aluminium parts vapour blasted, and bolts coated. The underside was undersealed and given an application of Waxoyl.

The engine was put through compression and leak-down tests, before being given a full oil service, plus renewal of the cam belt, balance belt, and auxiliary belt. A Ralliart ECU was installed with a Stage 1 remap, as well as a Walbro fuel pump, Blitz air intake, and upgraded HKS exhaust.

New OEM specification bushes were fitted, including new rear differential mounts, and the brakes were serviced with a rebuild of all the callipers. The odometer was converted from kilometres to miles, and a full four-wheel geometry alignment session was carried out.

The most recent MOT test was on December 2, 2019, at 46,500 miles, which resulted in a clean pass. The Toyo tyres are less than a year old, and have covered around 2,000 miles.

Documentation is provided for the car’s time in the UK, but there is no service history from Japan. However, the Japanese auction sheet and some other previous paperwork is supplied with the vehicle.

This is a great opportunity to buy a remarkably clean Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V. The images provided document the car’s impressive cosmetic condition, including a very tidy underside, while it has covered less than 2,000 miles since a major overhaul at CPP. This rare vehicle is ready and waiting to offer its new owner the thrill of a 1990s ‘rally replica’, and is undoubtedly a collectable modern classic.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.