2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Vl 'Tommi Mäkinen Edition' UK-Specification Chassis #119

By 1997, rallying had captured the imagination of petrolheads all over the world and Mitsubishi sold 6,000 Evolution IVs in the first three days of its launch! In quick succession, the Lancer Evolution VI came to be and in the latter-half of 1999, Mitsubishi unleashed a special edition to celebrate its favourite son’s four consecutive WRC drivers' titles from 1996-1999 - the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI 'Tommi Mäkinen Edition' (TME). The Evolution VI was already a technological tour de force, but the TME had a more responsive titanium turbocharger, uprated and lowered suspension, quicker steering, a different exhaust, a new ECU, beefed-up transfer case internals, a redesigned front bumper and authentic 17" WRC Enkei alloy wheels. There was a special interior featuring embossed Recaro seats, a MOMO steering wheel and red stitching. The performance upgrades saw the 0-60mph time down to 4.4 seconds and a maximum top speed of 150mph. Power was rumoured to be over 300bhp, rather than the 276bhp 'agreement'.

Widely regarded as the finest Lancer to wear the Evolution badge, it was now available in five colours, with Passion Red and Canal Blue joining Scotia White, Pyrenean Black and Satellite Silver. Only 250 TMEs (across the five colours) were officially imported into the UK, with 100 examples going to Australia and the rest sold domestically in the Japanese market. Official figures show that of the UK's allocation, only 50 examples were in Canal Blue, perhaps the more discreet colour for a TME.

The car presented here is one of those in Canal Blue, so not only is it a genuine Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition (CP9A/SNGF2) car, but it is also an official UK-market example. This means it was officially imported by Mitsubishi-affiliated Ralliart UK and consequently it would have been professionally SVA'd. It's supplied with UK service books, a calibrated speedometer, an unleaded-spec fuel restrictor, cold-climate battery and an alternator, plus it is individually numbered with a plaque in the cabin, reading #119.

It was supplied new through Ralliart Mitsubishi Motors/Colt Car Company Ltd of Gloucestershire and passed through a few enthusiast owners before being acquired by our vendor in 2004. He had always wanted a TME and bought the best example he could find. It was in superb original condition, with a full-service history and approximately 15,500 miles. Over the last 20 years, remarkably, the car has only covered just over 2,500 miles, yet no expense has been spared on maintenance, servicing, enhancement and care. Just some of the top-quality upgrades include: HKS Silent Hi Power exhaust, Ecutek remap, Walbro fuel pump, Turbosmart EBOOST 2 boost controller & dual port dump valve, AP Racing 6-pot 362mm brake kit and Ultralite ATEC ll alloy wheels.

The car has been always garaged and stored on a trickle charger in an insulated private car cave. It's accompanied by its full bookpack including service booklet and numerous invoices for its upgrades and maintenance, giving any potential buyer huge confidence. After many years of diligent ownership, circumstances now mean that the family have to sell this special car and hope it goes to a similarly-minded enthusiast to use and enjoy.