2004 Mitsubishi Evo VIII MR FQ-400

The Evo VIII had some big boots to follow, not only due to its hugely successful predecessors and the ongoing rivalry with Subaru’s Impreza, but it’s safe to say the Evo VIII succeeded with flying colours. First released in March 2003, the Evo VIII was the very first Evo model to have full UK factory approval as, prior to the VIII, Evos were imported on a bit of a nudge and a wink basis through third parties such as Ralliart and therefore weren't covered by Mitsubishi's normal warranty and servicing deals. Ralliart was also moved in-house, forming an integral part of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Europe.

The Evo VIII was offered in a few guises, the 260, FQ300, FQ320, FQ340, and FQ400 variants with the number denoting the rounded power figure the specific car produced. The FQ-400 was not only the rarest, with just 100 ever made, but also the most expensive at £47,000 new, and the most powerful. It pushed out 405bhp from its 2-litre turbocharged 4G63 inline-four, making it a seriously quick motor car offering 0-60 in 3.8 seconds and topping out at 175mph. Equally capable when the going gets twisty, it infamously humbled a 620bhp Lamborghini Murcielago around the Top Gear test track without breaking a sweat.

This fabulous Evo VIII (Number #5 of 100) is very impressive across the board, and whilst not strictly standard, the changes made to it are purely to benefit the driving experience, arguably granting it Q-car status. First registered on 22nd October 2004, this FQ-400 benefits from full Mitsubishi main dealer/specialist garage history for servicing and maintenance, with 25 service stamps to its name, averaging just 2,000 miles in between services from new, most recently by CPP Motor Development on 10th May 2022.

Our marque-enthusiast vendor explains that the car has been his passion and hobby for 15 years. It is undeniable that whenever the car has required something, it received it. The MOT history is near impeccable, and when it highlighted the front subframe has signs of surface corrosion, a brand new one was sourced and immediately replaced.

The factory engine specification and performance is wildly impressive including a forged engine, custom-built Garrett turbo, HKS forged rods, Omega forged pistons, HKS injectors, the list goes on, but this car has quite a trick up its sleeve… Seemingly unsatisfied by this cars supercar killing performance, this FQ-400 is now running to a safe 603bhp, at 2.2-bar of boost, with a two-page specification explaining how its arrived at this staggering figure. Built by renowned Evo engine specialist, CPP Motor Developments, the engine features a whole host of hugely expensive, high-quality parts such as the, previously mentioned HKS forged rods, CP forged pistons (rated for 900bhp), HKS head gasket, Kelford TX272 cams, I.D 1000cc injectors, Skunk inlet manifold, Precision 5858 full frame turbo kit, Perrin intercooler, the list goes on. If the full 603bhp is a bit much (reportedly never used), its low-boost setting is at 1.6-bar generating 500bhp, switchable on the intercooler spray button.

It’s fitted with four matching Toyo Proxes (matching tyres are required on this car due to the four-wheel drive system), as well as uprated hook brake discs, Tein coil-over suspension, a White Line rear anti-roll bar and a boot brace.

The history file is excellent, containing a smorgasbord of invoices for servicing, maintenance, and parts, as well as its original service book, book packs, and the all-important Certificate of Authenticity from Ralliart confirming that this is #5 FQ-400.

This rare and desirable FQ-400 is delightfully standard looking yet packs the most vicious bite. With FQ-400s so rarely seeing the open marketplace and examples trading for well in excess of £60,000, this very useable and capable early example is potentially the last time you will be able to find one at such agreeable money.