1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR - Ralliart UK-market car #149

It wasn't until the launch of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (more commonly referred to as the Evo VI GSR) that the Japanese firm entered the consciousness of a wider spectrum of rally enthusiasts. The first Evo to be officially available in the UK, the Mitsubishi Evo VI was launched in January 1999. From May 1999, UK cars were imported by Mitsubishi Motors and prepared by Ralliart UK (a new company offering closer ties with the UK importer that saw the opening of a small number of Ralliart dealers; even cars sold through Ralliart UK were still subject to Single Vehicle Approval (SVA), which was carried out on behalf of customers). Most came as GSR-spec, but a cheaper RSX model was also launched to combat the draw of Subaru’s keenly-priced Impreza rival. The ‘standard’ Evo VI GSR stole enthusiasts’ hearts from the get-go, its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produced 276bhp (although it’s accepted that it was closer to 300bhp), and 275lbft. Fed through all four wheels via a 5-speed gearbox, it made the 1,360kg car fast and exciting. The key was its generous cooling. Not only did the Evo VI have a bigger intercooler, oil cooler and radiator than the Evo V, but it also had enlarged ducts in the front bumper, made possible by locating the number-plate to the side. That told anyone also considering a Subaru Impreza WRX that the Evo VI was ‘serious’. It certainly was, now fitted with a new ECU and permanent four-wheel drive with Active Yaw Control (AYC) that gave physics-defying handling by minimising oversteer and understeer, and a practical four-door body, the Evo immediately gave Subaru a bloody nose. It also helped it crack 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and head on to 150mph (rather than the 112mph limited top speed of many Japanese imported models). Its body was stiffened with 130 additional spot welds and thicker gauge steel. The front suspension was improved with stronger, forged front knuckles the rear with forged aluminium to reduce unsprung weight.

With a price tag of £30,995 when it officially went on sale in the UK, the Evo VI proved a performance bargain. In addition to its WRC-inspired mechanicals, it had showroom-friendly features such as climate control, Recaro sports seats and electric windows and mirrors. The Evo VI's candle burned brightly for a mere two years before being replaced in March 2001 by the Evo VII. For many, the Evo VI remains the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Evo design for its style, aggression, and usability.

The car presented here is a 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR, car #149 (denoted by its service booklet and gearstick plaque) supplied to the UK-market via Ralliart UK. Finished in Ichelle Blue it was sold via Mitsubishi Motors Reading on 25th March 1999 to its one-and-only owner (our vendor), who applied the registration S666 EVO to it. The car is today still in factory-standard condition, having covered just 26,724 (verifiable) miles (atoc) with early Mitsubishi service history (followed by trusted local independents), accompanied by its original Ralliart service booklet and Mitsubishi sales invoice. Our vendor was an early advocate of the abilities of the Evo VI and was invited, with other customers, by Mitsubishi on a specially chartered flight to Rotterdam to inspect and drive their respective cars. The cars were then brought into the UK, fettled by Ralliart, and given to owners via the specialist dealerships. Our vendor has owned and enjoyed this car ever since, ensuring it has always been garaged and well-maintained. After being garaged and not used (but regularly run-up) for a number of years, it benefitted from £1,700-worth of recommissioning work in June 2021, including an engine flush, a full oil/fluid and filters service, a new battery, new timing/auxiliary belts, a new v/belt tensioner, new spark plugs, and new brake hoses.

The car is now absolutely ready to go and be enjoyed by a new owner. It drives and performs particularly well, as well as you might expect from such a cosseted example. This special car - with its conscientious single ownership history and superb original condition - would make a shrewd purchase given the market growth for rare rally-derived modern-classics. Not to be missed!