View all photos

(137)

2012 MITSUBISHI EVO X FQ-400

This Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-400 is a very smart example of an exceptionally rare UK-only special edition, boasting great provenance and bespoke features. Its engine is the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4B11T inline-four, producing a riotous 403bhp, with all-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 22,150 miles from new.

Taking as the foundation the storming FQ-360 model, Mitsubishi Motors UK worked with a number of specialist tuners to extract even more power from the turbocharged engine, and added significant upgrades to the suspension. It features an uprated Garrett GT turbocharger, forged pistons and con rods, revised HKS injectors, a new intercooler, a custom exhaust manifold and elbow, and a Janspeed high-flow catalyst. The car can sprint from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

An upgraded Alcon clutch and cerametallic drive plate was fitted, along with a more powerful Alcon brake kit using six-pot front calipers and Ferodo pads. The car was suspended 30mm lower, with the track width increased by 15mm. It also featured functional aerodynamic bodywork additions, including Ralliart door mirrors, a substantial carbon-fibre lip spoiler and rear diffuser, and a vortex generator at the top of the tailgate.

First registered in September 2012, this FQ-400 was number 34 of the 35 cars built and was ordered by then Sales and Marketing Director of Mitsubishi Motors, Lance Bradley. As the instigator of the FQ-400, his car was also commissioned with a few bespoke touches. The seats were re-trimmed with blue Alcantara panels in place of the factory-fit black, with similar accents also being applied to the door inlays. The steering wheel was also given a blue six o’clock marker, and the car was finished with blue stitching throughout. It is also the only example to have exterior LED running lights fitted, as well as backlit sill cover plates. Finally, the rear brakes were upgraded to four-piston Alcon items.

It is understood that Lance Bradley used the car for a little over two years, before the car was put into storage at Mitsubishi Motors. It was subsequently sold to its next owner in November 2015, when the odometer showed 16,865 miles from new. Today, there are three previous registered keepers, and it has most recently spent time as part of a significant private collection.

The bodywork and paint are described as being in very good order, with some stone chips to the front bumper, splitter, and lower body that you would expect from road use. There are also some small chips at the leading edge of the vortex generator on the roof. It has been treated to some comprehensive detailing work to bring it to the impressive condition shown in the photographs, with the Orient Red finish looking smooth and glossy all around the car. It rides on the original lightweight and gloss black Team Dynamics alloy wheels, which are pristine.

Inside, the combination of black leather, and charcoal and blue Alcantara, makes a striking impression. While there is some very slight wear on the driver’s seat side bolster, and some loose seat trim, the upholstery presents in very good condition. There are carbon-fibre inlays for the gear knob and handbrake grip, with the latter also marked with the limited serial number. Factory-fitted equipment includes a hard-drive satellite navigation and media system with touch-screen display, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, climate control, and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 650-watt amplifier.

This car has a comprehensive main dealer maintenance history, with the most recent work being an oil and filter change carried out in December 2019, when the brake fluid was also renewed. Prior to this it was seen and serviced in May 2018 at 21,622 miles, and in October 2017 at 17,700 miles. A dynamometer print-out accompanies the car, showing a verified 406hp.

The most recent MOT test was on 19 December 2019 at 22,075 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory noting slight wear on the front tyres. The wheels are currently fitted with Yokohama Advan tyres in size 245/40 R18 all round, which are date-coded to 2014 – but all four tyres will be replaced as part of the sale.

This Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-400 is a very high-performance sports saloon that blends family car practicality with supercar-baiting pace. Having been first used by the man responsible for initiating the FQ-400 project, it boasts interesting provenance and unique features, and is presented in impressive cosmetic and mechanical condition. As one of only 35 built, this is a rare and thrilling car – the ultimate manual iteration of a car steeped in motorsport history – that is certain to delight its next owner.

Summary of service history: