1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS450 Extreme Ralliart - One of Four

The tale of Mitsubishi vs. Subaru is as old as the two manufacturers have been competing and is arguably one of the longest standing ‘friendly’ rivalries in the motoring world. The philosophy of ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ was undeniably adopted by both, meaning the quality of cars produced and the levels of battle preparation were ever increasing. With Subaru producing the ‘Version’ cars, the P1, and the 22B alongside Prodrive, Mitsubishi retaliated with the Tommi Makinen, the TME RS and the heaviest hitter of the Evo VI range, the RS450 Extreme. It is a punchy manoeuvre to put ‘Extreme’ in the title of anything, as one rightfully expects it to be the rawest variant, but thankfully Mitsubishi put its money where its mouth is, and the RS450 earned the title with its hardcore persona.

Built exclusively for the UK-market, and in incredibly small numbers, it's believed that just four RS450 Extremes were ever built, with just three remaining. They were prepared by Ralliart prior to their incorporation into the main Mitsubishi fold, essentially operating as a very well known ‘skunkworks’ division, taking the fight to Subaru’s Prodrive. Unlike later Evos, where the number following ‘FQ’ denoted the horsepower of the vehicle, the ‘450’ in RS450 denotes the Nm/torque pushed out by the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4G63 engine, with 380bhp. This car’s Ralliart-prepared engine produces around 438bhp and 412lb/ft of torque, laid on the tarmac via the four-wheel drive system and no longer fitted with the Anti-Yaw Control (AYC) and Anti-Lock Brakes as weight saving measures.

Generating over 350bhp from a relatively small displacement engine was no easy feat, but was achieved with a competition-spec crankshaft, forged connecting rods and forged pistons, in addition to high-lift cams, competition head gasket and lightened valves. This car has a few mechanical modifications and upgrades including an MHI turbocharger, C-Tec 3'' modular elbow and downpipe, Prospeed 3'' stainless steel exhaust, Radtec high-capacity intercooler, Exedy twin-plate clutch and a phosphor-bronze gear linkage bush kit.

Not only is it pushing out more power, but the handling has been sprinkled with modern upgrades to suit the higher power output with KW Clubsport coil-over suspension with adjustable front top mounts, NR brake ducts for extra cooling and rides on Speedline Turini 18-inch alloy wheels shod in Toyo R888R semi-slick tyres. The original, and hugely desirable Work Meister wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are also included in the sale.

The overall condition of the car is good, inside and out, and hides its 61,000 miles rather well. There are the expected stone chips and minor blemishes on the paintwork and front bumper, with the interior showing similar small blemishes. The Recaro bucket seats are in good order, and are a necessity to keep you well-held when piloting the RS450.