For any true automotive enthusiast, the sight of a neglected classic car tugs at the heartstrings. There’s a deep-seated desire to rescue these forgotten machines, to bring them back to their former glory. This feeling is especially potent when confronted with a vehicle as iconic as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Inspired by stories of unloved cars discovered in Japan, we delve into the tale of a decaying Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, a pioneer of performance and rally heritage, left to return to nature. Let’s take a closer look at this automotive legend before time claims it completely.
Front view of a neglected first-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, showcasing its classic JDM rally car design in a state of disrepair.
Side profile of the decaying Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, highlighting the moss and weathering on the body panels and wheels, indicative of long-term neglect.
Close-up of the weathered Mitsubishi Evo I GSR badge, a symbol of performance and rally legacy, now faded and worn on the neglected vehicle.
This isn’t just any Lancer; this is an Evolution – the very first of its kind. Before the Mitsubishi Evo became synonymous with World Rally Championship (WRC) dominance in the hands of legends, there was this: the original Lancer Evolution I GSR. It’s the genesis of a lineage that would secure four WRC driver’s titles and become a performance icon. While it might not be the fire-breathing, rally-stage conquering Evo that immediately springs to mind when thinking of Mitsubishi’s WRC heyday, this car laid the foundation for all that followed.
Front three-quarter view of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, emphasizing its rally-bred design and the potential for restoration despite its current condition.
Rear detail of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, showing the classic spoiler and taillights, elements that connect it to its rally racing heritage and performance lineage.
Side shot of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, revealing the extent of the moss and grime accumulation, contrasting with the car's inherent sporty lines and potential for revival.
Similar to Subaru’s journey with the Legacy RS, Mitsubishi’s rally efforts initially centered around the Galant VR-4. While successful, Mitsubishi recognized the need for a more agile and compact platform to truly conquer the demanding WRC stages. The answer was the Lancer Evolution.
Engine bay of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, revealing the iconic 4G63T engine, the heart of the Evolution series and a symbol of its performance capabilities.
Interior view of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, showing the dashboard and steering wheel, hinting at the car's driver-focused design and performance-oriented features despite the decay.
Close up on the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR's wheels and brake rotors, showing the wear and rust, but also the potential for restoration to its original high-performance condition.
Rear three-quarter view of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, capturing its stance and lines, suggesting the sporty character and rally-inspired design even in its neglected state.
The GSR badge itself wasn’t new to the Lancer lineup. Mitsubishi had previously tasted rally success with the Lancer 1600 GSR, securing three consecutive victories in the grueling Southern Cross Rally in Australia. Driven by Andrew Cowan, this earlier GSR model paved the way for the Evolution’s rally ambitions. Cowan would later establish Ralliart Europe, the very organization responsible for building Mitsubishi’s factory WRC cars up until 2005, further cementing the GSR legacy.
Front interior detail of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, focusing on the gear stick and center console, highlighting the manual transmission and driver-centric cockpit typical of performance cars.
Side detail of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, showcasing the classic lines and boxy silhouette of the first generation Evolution, a hallmark of early 90s JDM performance cars.
Rear spoiler and GSR badging on the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, emphasizing the sporty styling cues and the significance of the GSR designation in Mitsubishi's performance history.
Close-up of the front grille and Mitsubishi logo on the Evo I GSR, showing the iconic three-diamond emblem and the aggressive front styling of this early performance model.
When the Evo I debuted on rally stages in 1993, it was immediately competitive, continuing the Galant’s momentum. However, it was the Evo III, with increased power and aerodynamic refinements to its front splitter and rear wing, that truly marked Mitsubishi’s breakthrough with its first WRC victory.
Front view of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR with focus on the fog lights and indicators, highlighting the details of the front fascia and its original design elements.
Dashboard detail of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, showing the instrument cluster and gauges, reflecting the functional and performance-oriented interior design of the car.
Rear light cluster of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, capturing the design of the taillights and their contribution to the car's distinctive rear appearance.
Close up of the moss covered hood of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, illustrating the extent of weathering and neglect, yet hinting at the classic lines beneath.
Beneath the moss-laden and decaying exterior of this Evo I GSR lies the heart of a legend. It houses the same potent 4G63T turbocharged engine, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, found in its more celebrated successors. This shared DNA represents immense potential for restoration and a connection to the Evo’s performance pedigree.
Side view of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, emphasizing its classic sedan shape and the silhouette that became iconic in the world of rally and performance cars.
Rear view of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, showing the spoiler and rear bumper, completing the picture of this neglected but historically significant JDM performance car.
Front three quarter view of the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR, capturing the overall condition and the potential for a full restoration project of this rare homologation model.
With only 5,000 units manufactured for homologation purposes, the Mitsubishi Evo I GSR is a rare breed. This limited production run likely contributes to why this particular example hasn’t been scrapped, hinting at its underlying value and collectibility.
What do you see when you look at this forgotten Mitsubishi Evo? Is it a valuable piece of automotive history deserving of preservation, or is it a relic too far gone, not worth the significant effort required for restoration? The answer likely depends on the passion and vision of the beholder.
