Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI GSR | Spotted

When they emerge as low-mileage, low-owner, pretty-much-pristine examples, there are some cars that make more sense than others. The high-maintenance, overly demanding exotic feels like one example; the super luxury saloon that maybe just serves as urban transport for a dignitary seems like another. We’ve all seen our fair share of Micras, Fiestas and Corsas kept by one lady owner from new for runs to the post office and the MOT station. 

But a Mitsubishi Evo? Not a chance. Whether import or UK car, it’s hard to imagine any evolution of Lancer from the original to the tenth being used anything but regularly, and as intended. By the standards of the time, they were relatively affordable – £30k in 2000 is less than £60k now, or Z4 M40i money – and all were supremely good to drive. Some more so than others, sure, but any Evo experience would linger long in the memory. It’s very hard to imagine signing on the dotted line for any of them, new or used, cheap as chips or top drawer, and not embracing everything that Active Yaw Control, the 4G63T and everything else that makes an Evo an Evo has to offer. 

Moreover, well, let’s be frank – none of the ten Evos are cars to take pride of place in a portfolio. None were conventionally pretty cars, based as they were on common-or-garden Japanese saloon cars. They aren’t coachbuilt Italian exotics, or rare groove British GTs. They’re Evos – for driving and for scaring supercars, not really for ogling. 

Yet this one exists. It’s an Evo VI GSR, a car that’s been in the UK since 1999 – imported by Warrender to the Isle of Man – and which boasts not a single modification. The engine bay, the entirely unremarkable (bar the Recaro seats) interior and the unmistakable exterior are exactly as they were 25 years ago. And it’s done fewer than 7,500 miles. 

That’s not a mistake, either – here’s an Evo VI that’s showing 7,234 miles since new. It’s like finding a Dreamcast that’s never been played, a Max Power that’s never been read, or a Bacardi Breezer that’s never been drunk – a staple of the early ’00s in a condition you’d simply never expect to find in 2025.  Which makes it hugely intriguing, of course. It’s properly museum grade, without wear, blemish or imperfection. The history features a plethora of receipts, the past MOTs are flawless, and the underside is said to be remarkable. While Fast & Furious homages and 2.2-litre strokers are cool, there’s really little to rival an untouched UK car. 

You’ll pay for the privilege, of course. All the Japanese icons of the time are prized these days and Mitsubishi shows no signs of being even remotely interesting again in 2025. This one is for sale at £65k, or more than twice what might be paid for a higher mileage example. But if only the very best Evo will do, to sit in the collection alongside a 22B, V-Spec R34 and RX-7 Bathurst (and maybe just drive occasionally to satisfy some curiosity), there can’t be very many better in the world. 

Engine: 1,997cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 5-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 275@2,750rpm
MPG: 23
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1999
Recorded mileage: 7,234
Price new: £30,995
Yours for: £64,995