2001 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO VI TOMMI MAKINEN

This 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI ‘Tommi Makinen’ Edition is a smart and well-maintained example of the iconic rally-inspired performance hero. Under the bonnet is the famed 2.0-litre turbocharged 4G63 inline-four engine, which sends 276bhp and 275lb ft of torque to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 77,917 miles from new.

Introduced in December 1999 to commemorate rally ace Tommi Makinen’s fourth consecutive WRC Driver’s Championship win, the Evo VI edition name in his honour features a number of changes and upgrades compared to the ‘standard’ model. These include a more aggressive bodykit, 10mm lower suspension with revised dampers, a helical front limited-slip differential and a faster-spooling titanium turbocharger, all with the aim of improving the car’s performance on tarmac surfaces.

This particular Evo VI Tommi Makinen is something of a rarity, being number 24 of just 50 Canal Blue cars officially imported and sold from new in the UK. First registered on 8 January 2001, its log book shows six previous registered keepers, with the current owner having covered just 900 miles in their three-and-a-half years of ownership.

The unique and dramatic bodywork presents well and is unmodified. There are no signs of any accident damage; however there is a minor parking dent to the rear nearside door and an outward dent on the rear nearside quarter, believed to have been caused by a loose item in the boot. The Canal Blue paintwork is described by the seller as being in fair condition, with evidence of a blow-over being carried out on the front bumper to rectify stone chips, as well as additional stone chips to the front end and minor chips to the windscreen, plus some small scratches on the sills. The car rides on its original 17-inch white Enkei alloy wheels, which have previously been refurbished and are in impressive condition, without any chips or kerb damage.

Turning to the interior, the Tommi Makinen signature red and black Recaro seats are still in place and are in very smart condition, with only light wear to the front seat bolsters, commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. The seller has also replaced the steering wheel, gear stick and gear gaiter with new items, sourced directly from Mitsubishi Japan, which were fitted less than 100 miles ago.

The original grey carpets and black Ralliart floor mats are also in good order, and the current owner states that the interior trims and plastic items are in excellent condition, with only minor scratches being visible on the centre console. All of the electrical items, including the air conditioning, stereo, electric windows and central locking are reported to work without fault.

Described as being free of any mechanical faults and with a good, solid chassis, this Evo VI Tommi Makinen has been discreetly modified with the addition of an aftermarket induction kit and a replacement stainless steel exhaust, enhancing its engine note while also potentially providing a modest power increase.

The car’s most recent scheduled maintenance was carried out in March 2018 at 77,696 miles by Evo specialist CPP Motor Developments. In addition to major service work including replacement of the engine oil, transmission oil and cam belt, the rear differential mounting bushes were also changed, as were the front and rear wheel bearings. Prior to this, the car was self-serviced by a previous owner in 2014 and 2015, while from new until April 2006 it was serviced by Brighton Mitsubishi.

Its last MOT test was carried out on 13 January 2020 at 77,734 miles, where it received a first-time pass with no advisory notes – the same result as in the previous four tests. All four wheels are wrapped in 225/45 R17 Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres which are all described as being nearly new, with plenty of tread remaining.

The car is accompanied by a raft of documents, including the bill of sale, 31 servicing and parts invoices, 13 MOT test certificates, wheel alignment documents and correspondence from Mitsubishi to previous owners.

A renowned homologation special and all-around rally car for the road, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition is often praised as being the model’s best iteration, thanks to its aggressive styling and mechanical improvements over previous versions. While some minor cosmetic work, this car could be brought up to a very high standard indeed. As it is, the car is an honest and immediately usable example with only subtle modifications, making it an opportunity not to be missed by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Summary of maintenance history:

• Jul 2001 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Dec 2001- Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Apr 2002 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Aug 2002 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Aug 3003 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Jan 2004 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Apr 2004 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Fit Dump Valve
• Aug 2004 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Feb 2005 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• Apr 2006 - Brighton Mitsubishi – Service
• 2014 – Self-serviced by previous owner
• 2015 – Self-serviced by previous owner
• Mar 2018 - CPP Developments – Service

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