1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR - Hill Climb Champion

It wasn't until the launch of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (more commonly referred to as the Evo VI GSR) that the Japanese firm entered the consciousness of a wider spectrum of rally enthusiasts.

The ‘standard’ Evo VI GSR stole enthusiasts’ hearts from the start, its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produced 276bhp and 275lb/ft. Fed through all four wheels via a 5-speed gearbox, it made the 1,360kg car fast and exciting. The key was its generous cooling. Not only did the Evo VI have a bigger intercooler, oil cooler and radiator than the Evo V, but it also had enlarged ducts in the front bumper, made possible by locating the numberplate to the side. Now fitted with a new ECU and permanent four-wheel drive with Active Yaw Control (AYC) that offered physics-defying handling by minimising oversteer and understeer, and a practical four-door body, the Evo immediately gave Subaru a bloody nose. It also helped it crack 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and head on to 150mph. The bodyshell was stiffened with 130 additional spot-welds and thicker gauge steel and the front suspension was improved with stronger, forged front knuckles and the rear with forged aluminium to reduce unsprung weight. For many, the Evo VI remains the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Evo design for its style, aggression, and usability.

The car presented here is a 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR originally supplied by renowned specialists Xtreme Automobiles Ltd. of Dudley (with a registration of T584 MUA). At this time, having covered 19,852 miles, it received a full engine rebuild from Xtreme at a cost of £7,800, all documented on an invoice. The servicing records after this are extensive, with dozens of invoices for maintenance and parts.

The present owner bought the car in 2013 and has covered less than 6,000 miles in it, but they have been exciting miles! It was bought to participate in hill-climbs/sprints in the road-going Production Class (with mandatory scrutineering - which states cars must be road-legal with a valid MOT and tax). The car retains all its original panels (apart from the front lower spoiler), whilst the original seats and carpeting were removed and stored, but will accompany the car (along with three extra sets of alloy wheels). During its competitive life, the car has received numerous performance improvements (within the rules of the class) and servicing attention, having had much of this work carried out by C1-R Motorsport Engineering in Stourbridge. This well-prepared car has had considerable success in the Midland Hillclimb Championship becoming Class Champion in 2017 and 2018. It was also runner-up in the 2019 Sunrise Sprint Series, with numerous outright class victories at Shelsley Walsh, Prescott, Anglesey, Loton Park and Curborough, plus podium finishes at Blyton Park and Gurston Down.

In December 2022, it was fitted with a new twin-plate racing clutch plus fully refurbished Intrax suspension (to match the existing rear set-up) with the intention of resuming competition this coming season, but circumstances now mean it must be sold. A great car with a proper maintenance history, mileage continuity and ownership; ready to enjoy.

Specification:

Engine – fully documented rebuild in 2001, HKS 264 inlet and exhaust camshafts, adjustable cam pulleys, ARP Group A conrod bolts, Evo 9 turbo, Walbro 255 LPH uprated fuel pump, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, competition exhaust, Pace alloy intercooler and K&N air filter.

Electronics – Apexi Power FC ECU (running 382hp), Gizzmo IBC boost controller

Transmission – GSR spec gearbox ratios, KAZZ front differential, Ricardo uprated output shaft, RS rear differential, competition twin-plate clutch

Suspension – Intrax Suspension Technology B.V. competition dampers, SuperPro bushes, strut braces front & rear

Body – Safety Devices roll-cage, TAROX Performance Brakes discs, Mintex brake pads, TOYO semi-slick tyres, Sparco steering wheel, Evo 9 wheels.