2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS Sprint #001 of 012

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. By January 1999, the Lancer legend was already well established; the outgoing Evo V had proved its might, providing immense attitude, performance and tuning potential. The Evo VI used the same four-door bodyshell, four-wheel drive chassis and fantastic turbocharged powerplant packing a 276bhp punch.

But now the Evolution was, at last, officially available in the UK, priced £25,940 through Ralliart dealers in GSR trim. It offered supercar-slaying statistics of 155mph top speed and sub-five second 0-60mph sprint. At its heart was the familiar 4G63 engine, now improved for durability and including new pistons with oil cooling channels, bigger oil cooler and intercooler. Likewise, the Lancer’s basic underpinnings remained, with trick AYC (Active Yaw Control), 320mm Brembo four-pot front brakes (300mm rear) with new 7.5x17' OZ wheels. The suspension was revised, with forged front arms and knuckles to reduce unsprung weight. Even the bodyshell was stiffened, with thicker steel and extra spot welds.

Love or loathe the styling, you can’t deny an Evo VI looks purposeful. Its massive motorsport-spec front bumper now housed a wider mouth, with revised spot-lamps and offset number plate. Regular Evo side-skirts remained, but a new twin-blade rear wing was used to meet WRC regulations. Meanwhile, the GSR interior included black Recaro seats, climate control and blue gauges.

By 1999/2000, such was the UK-demand for more potent incarnations, a series of ultra-hot, ultra-rare Evos were made available, including several Ralliart-built UK cars like the 320bhp RS Sprint, 340bhp Extreme, RSX (RS spec plus some GSR trim) and 380bhp RS450.

The car presented here is a 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS Sprint, being #001 of just 12 examples produced (a plaque on the lower dashboard denotes this), being fully (officially) fettled by Ralliart UK. As a Ralliart-tuned, limited edition rally icon (in appropriate Scotia White paintwork) it is hugely sought after; powered by a turbocharged 2-litre inline-four, tweaked to produce 330bhp (tuned by Ralliart, now featuring a titanium turbocharger, a modified ECU, ARP Racing conrod bolts, a HKS exhaust system, and a HKS air filter) coupled to a 5-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential. It also features shorter gear ratios and a quicker steering rack, while the A/C, electric windows, electric door mirrors, central locking, and rear wiper have been omitted to save weight; it is fitted with the optional OZ Racing ‘GSR’ wheels and a twin-plate clutch.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive maintenance history, including a full service and underside restoration in 2021, and a major timing belt service with CPP Motorsport in October 2019, its original Owner’s Manuals, spare key and Bill of Sale, along with correspondence to the original customer, and eight x MOT Certificates.

The car underwent a full service and underside restoration in 2021; prior to this, in October 2019 at 38,400 miles, CPP Motorsport replaced the oils and cambelt, before replacing the balance shaft belt. Full service history below:

Oct 2019 - CPP Motorsport - 38,400 miles

Jun 2004 - GTO Evolution - 32,534 miles

Mar 2004 - GTO Evolution - 31,720 miles

Oct 2003 - Xtreme Automobiles - 29,126 miles

Jan 2003 - Xtreme Automobiles - 27,008 miles

Dec 2002 - MA Developments - Unrecorded

Feb 2002 - Ralliart UK - 20,765 miles

Aug 2001 - Ralliart UK - 18,283 miles

Mar 2001 - Ralliart UK - 14,267 miles

Feb 2001 - Ralliart UK - 11,445 miles

Nov 2000 - Ralliart UK – 9,562

Aug 2000 - Ralliart UK - 5,468 miles

Mar 2000 - Global Autosport - 1,430 miles

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. An Evo VI is a car that, even today can comfortably cover ground faster than almost anything else on the road.