Classified of the week: Mitsubishi Pajero Evo

Some of you may have been sad upon finding out that the Mitsubishi Shogun will no longer be offered for sale in the UK. We certainly were – but only because its death squashed any last semblance of hope that there might be a repeat of the wonderfully-silly Pajero Evolution that was introduced back in 1997. Pajero, of course, being the non-UK name for the Shogun.

Yes, we know there was never any real chance of another motorsport-bred mini 4x4 being put into production, but it’s always good to have a semblance of hope.

So, what better to do than to scour the classifieds for an original Pajero Evo? This one from 4 Star Classics is almost certainly the best we could find. 

It’s a recent import from Japan that has covered just 34,523 miles and is finished in near-perfect Satellite Silver Metallic paint. 

It looks mega too, right? The Pajero Evo was born to homologate the car for the Dakar Rally (where it was subsequently extremely successful), hence the wide body kit, wraparound rear spoiler and scooped bonnet.

Under that bonnet was a 3.5-litre V6 that put 276bhp through either the rear wheels or all four – depending on the surface you were on and how much you wanted to show off to your mates. 

Four-wheel independent suspension and a five-speed auto ‘box with sport mode also helped add to the Evo’s charm. This one’s currently listed for £18,495 – but can you really put a price on the smile it’d put on your face?

Well yeah, it's £18,495.

Images: 4 Star Classics