The famous Mitsubishi Lancer saga starts in 1973. From 1975, this very first generation is complemented by a variant whose body is specific, but attached to the Lancer range. Its name is Lancer Celeste or, depending on markets, Colt Celeste, or even simply Celeste. Here we have the Japanese coupe variant.

The first-gen Lancer was launched to expand the Mitsubishi range in early 1973. At the time, this rear-wheel drive compact sedan was just 4 metre/157 in.-long, smaller than the Galant. Several bodies were available: two 2 or 4-door sedans and an estate, while this sportier GS-R version, released at the end of 1973, was only available with two doors and received a 1.6-litre engine.

At the end of 1992, the Lancer Evolution succeeds the Galant VR-4 at the World Rally Championship. Its road-going version, needed to get a racing homologation, has become a classic of its kind. This first-gen Evo (here the GSR trim level) was replaced in early 1994 by the Evo II, recognizable by its front flap under the spoiler and whose turbo 2-litre develops 260 hp instead of 250.

Before Mitsubishi developped its own 4x4 (the Pajero, whose origins date back to 1982), the Japanese automaker first manufactured, under license and as soon as 1953, the Jeep Willys. Mitsubishi produced the 4x4 until 1998, and updated it with its own developments. Here we have a J30-type Station Wagon based on the longest of the three wheelbases available and dated 1961.

Avant que Mitsubishi ne développe son propre 4x4, le Pajero dont les origines remontent à 1982, le constructeur japonais a d’abord fabriqué, sous licence et dès 1953, la Willys Jeep. Mitsubishi produira ce 4x4 jusqu’en 1998, lui apportant ses propres évolutions. Il s’agit ici d’un Station Wagon type J30 élaboré sur le plus long des trois empattements et daté de 1961.

This sedan launched in October 1963 received almost no aesthetic change until its production was discontinued in 1986. This Mitsubishi can be compared to the Toyota Century, in a lower category: the Debonair "only" measures 4.67 m/184 in.-long and is equipped with a 2-litre 6-cylinder (initially developing 105 hp), whereas the Toyota, released in 1967, received a V8 at the time.

The Lancer is a classic among compact sports cars of the 1990s and 2000s. Very exclusive versions are homologated, on the basis of which rally cars are built. This four-wheel drive EVO VII was launched in 2001. Its chassis is upgraded, compared to its predecessor. The model we have here appears in the second movie of the Fast and Furious series, "2 Fast 2 Furious," released in 2003.

The Mitsubishi i equipped with a rear-mounted combustion engine was launched in January 2006 in Japan. The fully electric version was released in 2008 and wears the name i-MiEV. At the end of 2010, Peugeot and Citroën integrated the same model in the respective ranges, where they are called iOn C-Zero. Mitsubishi produces all these models in Japan. Vitesse also offers the "standard" i.

The only “i” available in Europe since 2010 is the electric version, called i-Miev. But this rear-wheel drive was already an old story in Japan, equipped with a combustion 3-cylinder engine since 2006. Vitesse reproduced the small Mitsubishi, while Norev reproduced its French clones, the Citroën C-Zero and Peugeot iOn electric. In red or grey on Minicarweb.

The technology of the sixth-generation Galant, unveiled at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, was very advanced in this VR-4 version: ABS, turbocharged engine with 4 valves per cylinder (205 hp), and active drive chassis with four-wheel steering. It was elected car of the year in Japan in 1988 and imported car of the year in the U.S. in 1988.

In 1992, the Lancer Evolution succeeded the Galant VR-4 in the World Rally Championship. To obtain race registration, Mitsubishi needed a road version, which became a classic. This second version was launched in December 1993. Note the flap under the spoiler… The chassis evolved and the 2-liter turbo increased from 250 to 260 hp. Available in grey, in white or red.

In 1992, the Lancer Evolution succeeded the Galant VR-4 in the World Rally Championship. To obtain race registration, Mitsubishi needed a road version, which became a classic. This second version was launched in December 1993. Note the flap under the spoiler… The chassis evolved and the 2-liter turbo increased from 250 to 260 hp. Available in grey, in white or red.