21/04/2020
I know we generally only get involved with the Subaru brand, but every now and then something a little different comes along - as a result one of our clients has asked us to help find a new home for one of his collection; please read on for more information.
The car in question is a Mitsubishi Lancer Turbo Gp4 - in fact this is one of only three left in the world; there is one in the Mitsubishi Motors museum and one in the late Andrew Cowan's personal collection, and this one!
The factory cars were built in Austria by Denzel, and then Ralliart were established to run the team; Andrew Cowan being chosen to lead the effort. The car was a significant step forward, not only did it have electronic fuel injection, it was the first to run an ecu in the world rally championship. The 1997cc turbo engine produced in excess of 300bhp, plus it was equipped with a dog gearbox, an intercooler, a paddle clutch, vented discs, rose joints etc - and this was all bolted into a specially built (acid dipped) bodyshell with lightweight doors and wide arches.
The car was launched at the 1981 Acropolis Rally, and subsequent performances through' 81 gave great hope for success in '82 - this particular car was built in '81 for the '82 season (ch.no. A176AABU401096) and carried the Austrian reg St944.192 before being registered GJI 9826 in Northern Ireland (in 1983) for type approval reasons.
It's best finish was 3rd on the 1982 1000 Lakes Rally with Pentti Arikkala, followed by a 7th place in San Remo with Anders Kullang at the wheel - but was also driven by Andrew Cowan himself along with Harri Toivonen and Antero Laine. In fact Harri Toivonen was the last to drive it for the factory team on the 1000 Lakes Rally in 1983.
In 1985 the car was completely rebuilt by Ralliart themselves, and has remained unused for competition purposes ever since - in 2012 the underside was restored by Stohl Racing, but all the remains as left by Ralliart.
In short this represents a great way to enter the world of historic rally cars - it's very rare, it's in wonderful 'factory original' condition, and it is useable - plus it comes with all the paperwork you would expect and spares to suit.
Full specification and price are available by request, but please appreciate this car's rarity and provenance - all enquiries to [email protected]
