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Pre-EVO: 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR4

Among the cars we’re going to someday kick ourselves for not buying when they were cheap and available is the Mitsubishi Galant VR4. Given the way Mitsubishi’s future in the United States seems to either be doomed or simply filled with econoboxes depends on who you talk to, but either way, the glory days of rally-infused sedans built for the street seem long gone. Find this cheap but rusty Galant VR4 sedan here on craigslist in Syracuse for $1,400.

Like so many Group A racers in the 1980s, rules stated that a minimum number of units had to be made available for public sale. The glory days of Group A saw numerous factory-built rally cars mildly detuned and dressed up in street clothes, making the era a glorious one for consumers and racing fans alike. The VR4 Galant’s 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder spit out an impressive 237 b.h.p. and 224 lb-ft of torque. These days, most examples you find for sale have been boosted well beyond those numbers.

Unfortunately for this car, in addition to the ominous rust warning issued by the seller, it also has running issues, diagnosed as “lacks power” in the description. On a turbocharged vehicle, there could any number of reasons for this, but the rust beneath the car will likely be more time-consuming to fix than replacing a bad turbo or fuel pump. The VR4 looks solid up top, however, and is likely one a very few to still wear its original wheel and tire combo and factory active suspension.

As a 1992 model year car, the seller is correct than only 1,000 units made it to our shores that year. Another 2,000 were sold here in 1991, making this a rare variant no matter how you look at it. The question as to how much work is worth investing in a project like this comes down to your interest in preserving a piece of motorsports history, a reminder of the days when companies like Mitsubishi poured money into its Ralliart division to test products on grueling rally stages. Find floor patch panels in your local junkyard and get this one back on the road.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Mark

    Rather have the 3000gtvr4 that was ahead of its time, cool looker too. But I believe many electrical problems.

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  2. Avatar photo sparkster

    $ 14,000 is a lot of money

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    • Avatar photo Rx7turboII

      Good thing it’s only $1400.00 then…lol

      Like 0
  3. Avatar photo johnincm

    Owned a 91 GVR4 (#1932 I believe) for several years and it was a great machine. Only moved it on because it was beginning to nickle and dime me plus I had an itch for something new. Lane changes at speed with the 4WS gave sensations that took awhile to get used to. An amazing car especially for the time.

    Like 1
    • Avatar photo Rallyace

      We used to TSD rally in one. You are right about the 4 wheel steer. I first experienced it going hot into a gravel corner trying to make up time. Scary to say the least. Thought for sure I was going to go head first into the inside ditch.

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  4. Avatar photo Car Nut Seattle

    I remember when Mitsubishi cars looked this nice. My favourites were the Galant VR4 and the Diamante.

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  5. Avatar photo Matt

    A high school buddy had one of these. It used to smoke, but I think that’s because he beat it to death.

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  6. Avatar photo Alan (Michigan)

    Like the swap the drivetrain into a ’89 Mirage that I have. The 4G63 is major beefier than the 4G61, and the AWD setup is the shizzzz.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar photo Squanto

    Syracuse = SALT, SALT AND MORE SALT! Six months a year. I would prefer the evil twin: A 1992 Goofus.

    Like 0

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