1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Wagon

Description

The 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was built with just one goal in mind: to win the Dakar Rally, which it did for 10 consecutive years, an astonishing record! It’s clear that Mitsubishi’s success with its Lancer Evolution variants in the World Rally Championship in the early to mid-’90s provided inspiration for this unique machine. Although the Evo took shape from the three-door NL Pajero, any resemblance swiftly vanished beneath a massive aero package and pumped guards. Larger wheel arches were filled with 16-inch 6-spoke rims and chunkier rubber. Ground clearance was greater, approach and departure angles improved and an aluminium bash plate helped deal with rocks. The Evo got its own bespoke suspension. Its twin overhead camshaft 3.5-litre V6 made 209kW, enabling this special Pajero to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds. Importantly, peak torque of 358Nm arrived at just 3000rpm. Two thousand five hundred of these ferocious 1970kg machines were made in 1997-99, of which just 500 were manuals. Each car bore a numbered plaque. Three colours were offered: Sophia White, Satellite Silver and Passion Red. The Pajero Evolution was not imported into Australia.