1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI eXtreme by Ralliart

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was launched by Ralliart, Mitsubishi's rally car division, for the 1993 season and literally evolved over the years into one of the most successful rally cars of its era. The Evolution VI was introduced in 1999 and Tommi Mäkinen won the Monte Carlo Rally on the car's debut followed by a further win in the next round in Sweden. More success followed with wins in New Zealand and San Remo to achieve a, then, record fourth consecutive drivers' title. The Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition (TME) was launched to commemorate, and cash in, on this success and some 5,000 TME cars were produced. However, such was the UK demand for a more potent Evo VI, that a new limited-production variant was announced in 1999, and was titled the 'eXtreme'.

Launched at the London Motor Show in October 1999, just 26 Extreme editions were officially produced by Ralliart UK, and each cost £41,995. The new model boasted 340bhp and 303lb/ft of torque and nailed the 0-60 sprint in just four seconds with 100mph arriving just six seconds later. The highly efficient suspension set up of the EVO VI, utilising MacPherson front struts and a multi-link rear, was retained and the car sat 28mm lower at the front and 14mm at the rear. It sported additional front and rear spoilers and lowered side sills, whilst eXtreme decals completed the look.

Manufactured in 1999, and set aside for its extreme transition, this car appears to have been first registered to the Mitsubishi Motors’ UK distribution arm, the Colt Car Company Ltd., on 27th September 2000. The accompanying V5C confirms that the car was declared ‘new at first registration’ and the second registered keeper, a Mr Edwards of Shropshire, purchased it on 1st September 2001 with some 11,100 miles on the odometer. The main dealer service record in the original Ralliart service book confirms three previous services after its PDI at seven miles, with stamps at 688 miles, 4,508 miles and 9,265 miles.

Purchased by the current, and third, registered keeper, a Mr Hope of Northumberland, on 14th June 2008, the car had been freshly serviced by Ralliart UK for the sale on the same date, with the mileage noted at just 15,310 miles. It returned to Ralliart UK for two subsequent services at 18,986 miles in 2009 and 20,210 miles in 2010. Thereafter it was used sparingly, as confirmed by online MOT records, and the current odometer reading was 24,558 miles (at the time of cataloguing). To continue the main dealer service history, the car will be serviced by a Mitsubishi main agent prior to our auction, and we note that the most recent MOT Certificate, valid until 3rd April 2024, is advisory-free.

Presented to auction in the attractive ‘Press Launch’ colours with a rarely seen dark red leather interior and complete with two keys, book packs, its Ralliart service book, period receipts and the distinction of being, perhaps, the lowest mileage example on the market.