2005 Mitsubishi Evo IX FQ-340

For more than a decade the Evo went toe-to-toe with Subaru's Impreza and introduced frankly startling performance, breeding a generation of supercar killer enthusiasts. As the name suggests, each iteration was a bit faster, a tad sharper and at the same time even more user-friendly.

First introduced in Japan and Geneva on the same day in March 2005, the Mitsubishi Evolution IX was well received as it was built on the already impressive Evo VIII MR, retaining its Bilstein suspension dampers, active yaw control differential and super ABS system, while adding low-end response with MIVEC variable valve timing and a lengthened turbocharger diffuser. Production was a short-lived affair that only lasted until January 2007 but is lauded as being the last ‘true’ Evo as the Evo X never competed in WRC.

The biggest difference separating the IX from the VIII was the adoption of MIVEC variable valve timing for the venerable 4G63 1,997cc turbo motor. By matching inlet valve timing to the engine speed and load, low-rev response is turned up a notch with the bonus of a freer-revving top-end. Couple this to a lengthened turbo tract that improves low-end torque and it's no surprise to find the Evo's power delivery is more flexible and measured than ever.

This example is truly outstanding. At the time of purchase, this was the top of the range example, prior to the MR FQ-360 being released a few months later which had a pinch more power. Presenting in box-fresh condition, it has covered just 896 miles from new, having lived its entire life in a heated garage, pampered to within an inch of its life! The Apex Silver paintwork is unmarked without the usual swirl marks that can plague  even the most seldom used cars and the interior is as pristine as one would expect. The seats look like they’ve never been sat on and the Ralliart floormats look brand new. The car will be coming to the sale having received a mechanical once over including an oil change.

With stunning performance, this Evo would happily embarrass the majority of supercars, especially once the road gets twisty.  This is a brilliant example of one of the final iterations of ‘true’ Evos. With JDM cars skyrocketing across the board, this reasonably priced example could make sense from an investment standpoint (or at least that sounds like a good excuse to explain why this car is an essential purchase!).