- High-quality traditional restoration

- A tribute to Mitsubishi’s glorious days in the Paris-Dakar

- Excellent base for historic rally raids

- No reserve

January 1985: two Mitsubishi Pajero cars finished first in the Paris-Dakar rally, driven by Patrick Zaniroli and Andrew Cowan. Quite different from the production models, these prototypes were designed and built by Bernard Maingret’s team, based in Pont-de-Vaux and selected in 1982 by Mitsubishi to excel in rally raids and spread awareness of the brand, which was then relatively unknown in France.

This particular car is also an unregistered prototype but is different from ‘official’ cars, due to less extensive modifications. According to Thierry Viardot, Dakar's Technical Manager and former partner of Bernard Maingret, ‘we know that a replica of this type was built by a former Sonauto mechanic who used some salvaged parts’, and it is possible that this is the very same car.

Well-built and featuring the original Mitsubishi livery, this Pajero was purchased three years ago by its current owner to race in historic rally raid events, before he changed his mind and switched to the modern version of this legendary rally at the wheel of a buggy. The preparation is very meticulous, featuring a tubular chassis and roll cage, a polyester bodywork, partially modified suspension, and a stripped-back, simplified interior with bucket seats, all designed for efficiency. In an attractive overall condition, it will require a major service and will make an excellent base for any enthusiast wishing to take part in historic rally raid events, while reviving memories of Mitsubishi’s golden days in the Paris-Dakar.

Photos © Marie-Sophie Machemehl