1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution - Ex Prince Nassem

Apparently, this four-wheel-drive Mitsubishi was purchased by the World Title holding British Boxer, 'Prince' Naseem Hamed simply because it was snowing!! The legendary young boxer Naseem has always been interested in cars, and he acquired this very special Pajero 'Evolution' when he was at the top of his boxing career just before his 25th birthday in February 1999, and kept it for almost 18 years until November 2016,

First available in October 1997, the radical Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was introduced in order to homologate their Paris-Dakar entry of the same year. In order for the 'Works' cars to be eligible to compete in the Production Class T2, 2,500 Pajeros had to be built to the same design and specification and offered for sale

As a 'homologation special', it differed from the basic Pajero SUV with uprated suspension, hi-tech dampers, new differentials, and a unique 276 bhp, 3.5-litre, DOHC, V6 engine which featured their very advanced MIVEC system (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic lift Control). A new dual-plenum variable intake further improved both bhp and torque. The interior was very comfortable and featured Recaro seats. The bodywork was wider with distinctive flared arches and various skid plates and, basically, it was totally over engineered for the road and ranked as one of the toughest production vehicles on the market at the time. They were only available in silver, red or white.

Offered here is a stunning example of a Pajero Evolution 'Homologation Special' finished in Satellite Silver with a Dark Grey Alcantara interior. It has covered just 12,190 miles in the hands of its one owner 'Prince' Naseem Hamed. The paintwork is excellent and appears unmarked and the wheels are in superb condition. The car has been personalised in a few areas to suit Naseem such as the attractive Alcantara interior.

Recently we have seen homologation specials from other manufacturers appreciate in value at incredible rates. This could just be the 'one that got away' with a true competition reputation ranking it alongside the RS500 and M3 in motorsport successes.