Like many automotive enthusiasts, I’ve always felt a pull towards vehicles with a story, cars that whisper tales of glory days and engineering prowess. There’s something particularly poignant about stumbling upon a forgotten icon, a machine left to weather the elements, yet still radiating an aura of its past significance. This is exactly the feeling that washes over you when encountering a decaying Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR, much like this one I recently had the chance to document.
Inspired by explorations of abandoned vehicles, I felt compelled to pay homage to this first-generation Evo. Before time and elements reclaim it entirely, let’s delve into what makes this neglected machine a crucial piece of automotive history.
Front three-quarter view of a moss-covered red Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR, parked outdoors, showcasing its aged condition.
This isn’t the fire-breathing, rally-dominating Lancer Evolution that springs to mind when recalling the golden era of Group A rally racing. However, this is where the legend began. This is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I, the very first to bear the iconic badge. It’s the progenitor of a lineage that would conquer the World Rally Championship (WRC) and secure four driver’s titles, solidifying its place in automotive history.
Close-up of the front grille and headlights of the decaying Lancer Evo I GSR, highlighting the Mitsubishi logo and aged details.
Side profile of the neglected Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR, revealing the faded paint and accumulation of moss and dirt on the body panels.
Much like Subaru with their Legacy RS, Mitsubishi had already tasted rally success with the Galant VR-4. Yet, they recognized the need for a more agile and compact platform to truly dominate the demanding special stages of the WRC. The Lancer, smaller and lighter, was chosen as the base for this new rally weapon.
Front view of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR, emphasizing its boxy design and original factory wheels, despite the overall weathered appearance.
Interior shot through the window of the Lancer Evo I GSR, showing the dashboard, steering wheel, and front seats in a state of disrepair.
Rear three-quarter view of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR, focusing on the rear spoiler and taillights, with moss visible on the trunk lid.
Interestingly, the GSR designation wasn’t new to the Lancer nameplate. Mitsubishi had previously achieved three consecutive victories in the gruelling Southern Cross Rally of Australia with the Lancer 1600 GSR. Driven by legends like Andrew Cowan, this earlier Lancer GSR paved the way for future rally success. Cowan himself went on to establish Ralliart Europe, the very organization responsible for constructing Mitsubishi’s factory WRC rally cars until 2005.
Close-up of the front right wheel and suspension of the Lancer Evo I GSR, showcasing the brake rotor and aged components, with vegetation growing nearby.
Detailed shot of the Lancer Evo I GSR's side mirror and window, covered in moss and dirt, highlighting the extent of its outdoor exposure.
Rear view of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR, showing the license plate area and bumper, with signs of rust and decay on the lower sections.
Front fender and headlight of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR, focusing on the GSR badge and the faded paint, with moss accumulating around the edges.
When the Evo I debuted on rally stages in 1993, it demonstrated immediate competitiveness, mirroring the Galant’s prior performance. However, it was the Evo III that marked a true turning point for Mitsubishi in the WRC. Substantial power increases and aerodynamic refinements, particularly to the front splitter and rear wing, propelled the Evo to its first victories and the start of its dominant era.
Close-up of the deteriorated paint and body panel of the Lancer Evo I GSR, showing the texture of the aged red paint and surface rust.
Engine bay glimpse of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo I GSR, revealing the 4G63T engine partially obscured by dirt and aged components.
Close-up of the Mitsubishi Lancer logo on the hood of the Evo I GSR, amidst the decaying paint and moss, symbolizing the brand's heritage.
Front corner of the Lancer Evo I GSR, showcasing the aged bumper, fog light, and turn signal, with moss and dirt clinging to the surfaces.
Despite the moss-ridden and decaying exterior of this Evo I, beneath it lies the heart of a legend: the robust 4G63T engine, coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and the all-wheel-drive system that became synonymous with the Lancer Evolution. This potent combination represents immense potential, even in its current state.
Rear spoiler and trunk of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo I GSR, highlighting the iconic wing design and the overall weathered condition of the vehicle's rear.
Side marker light and front fender of the Lancer Evo I GSR, emphasizing the aged plastic and faded paint, details typical of a car left outdoors.
Close-up of the front tire and wheel well of the Lancer Evo I GSR, displaying the tire sidewall, wheel design, and accumulated dirt and debris.
Front quarter view of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo I GSR, capturing the overall stance of the car and the extent of moss and decay on the hood and windshield.
Only 5,000 units of the original Lancer Evolution I were produced for homologation purposes, adding to its rarity and historical significance. Perhaps this limited production run is why this particular example is still preserved, albeit in its current state, rather than being relegated to a scrapyard.
Rear windshield and roof of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo I GSR, covered in moss and leaves, showing the degradation of the rubber seals and paint.
Interior detail of the Lancer Evo I GSR, focusing on the worn seats and center console, visible through the open car door, highlighting the interior's decay.
Rear three-quarter view of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo I GSR from a lower angle, emphasizing the rear diffuser and exhaust, with moss and dirt covering the lower body panels.
Looking at this forgotten Lancer Evo I GSR, one can’t help but ponder its fate. Is it a valuable piece of automotive heritage deserving of restoration and preservation? Or is it simply a relic of the past, beyond saving and destined to return to the earth? What do you see when you look at this piece of automotive history?
