The 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution: A Rare Gem
Gather ’round, gearheads, because what we’ve got here is one of those rare beasts that warms the cockles of any car enthusiast’s heart. Meet the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution, one of roughly 2,700 examples ever made. Fresh off the boat—or rather, the import paperwork shuffle—this bad boy boasts 99,000 kilometers on the clock, which translates to about 62,000 miles if you’re not into the whole metric thing.
Under the Hood and More
Let’s talk turkey—or engines, in this case. This Pajero is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which pairs nicely with a five-speed automatic transmission. That power setup includes a dual-range transfer case and nifty differentials, both locking and limited-slip, to ensure you’re not left spinning your wheels, literally.
Exterior Features: All the Bells and Whistles
Elegantly clad in Satellite Silver Metallic and garnished with black cloth interiors, this Pajero Evolution isn’t just a looker. It struts an Evolution-specific front bumper and flared fenders, dual hood scoops, quad fog lights, red Ralliart mud flaps, and even a roof spoiler. And for those who fantasize about navigating rugged terrains, there are 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels and a suite of other goodies.
The Cabin: Not Just Another Pretty Face
Inside this right-hand-drive cockpit, comfort meets functionality with Recaro front seats to cradle you and your back-seat drivers. The array of built-in tech includes a Kenwood Excelon head unit, aftermarket speakers, and automatic climate control to make your ride as plush as possible. Throw in power windows and locks, and you’ve got yourself a modern driving experience, albeit with a charmingly old-school tear in the left-front seat. There’s even been a recent air-conditioning compressor swap to keep things chilly.
Driving Instruments and Tech Marvels
The cockpit also features a four-spoke steering wheel accompanied by a speedometer (that’s kilometers per hour, folks), a tachometer, and some auxiliary gauges. Need more readouts? There’s a trusty compass, along with indicators for battery voltage and oil pressure, right smack dab in the middle of the dashboard. The odometer reads 99,000 kilometers, and yes, about 200 of those were added under the current ownership. That’s barely a road trip to the next big town.
Engine Specs: The Heart of the Beast
No horsepower-stats bamboozling here! The 3.5-liter 6G74 V6 engine features MIVEC variable valve timing technology and is factory-rated to churn out an exhilarating 276 horsepower with 256 lb-ft of torque. Oh, and the timing belt has been swapped out for a fresh one recently, so you can put that worry to rest.
Transmission and Power
Power routes through either the rear wheels or, drumroll please, all four of them! It does this magic trick through a five-speed automatic transmission, wrapping it all up with a dual-range transfer case and both a locking center differential and limited-slip front and rear differentials. Talk about being ready for any adventure!
The California Conundrum
Before you get too revved up and try to add this beauty to your garage, fair warning: the vehicle hasn’t been rigorously examined by California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair or its Air Resources Board. This means if you’re in California, private-party purchases are sadly out of the question.
Your Dream Ride Awaits
So if your heart’s set on finding a truly unique set of wheels, this Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution ticks a lot of boxes for those who dare to dream large. It’s a veritable collector’s piece, a rolling homage to robust engineering and classic ‘90s style. Just don’t plan on joyriding it through the Golden State unless some paperwork gets sorted out.