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41K Mile Supercar: 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

The Mitsubishi 3000GT can oftentimes be lumped into a category of being a generic, tired used car given the base model SL and top-spec VR4 had similar looks. But rest assured, VR4 examples like the one shown here are dramatically different from their bargain-basement siblings, packing a plethora of technology and performance features that made Mitsubishi’s halo car far and away one of the most sophisticated performance cars on the market in 1994. This VR4 model listed here on eBay has just 41,587 miles and remains in stock condition, with no apparent modifications. The seller is asking $16,900 or best offer, which seems like a bargain to me.

The early 90s represented one of the best eras for Japanese performance cars, from the Supra to the RX7 to 300ZX Twin Turbo. Mitsubishi was coming off the high of its partnership with Chrysler to sell the turbocharged Starion and Conquest twins, which proved the company could play with the big boys as it related to the 1980s performance cars. The 3000GT was a quantum leap forward in comparison, with a heavy emphasis on technology that included active body aero components, electronically adjustable suspension, twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and more. These features, of course, are also why you don’t want to buy a neglected example.

And this one certainly isn’t. With low miles and clearly attentive ownership, it presents extremely well, with only modest wear noted to the driver’s side bolster on the front seat. The original floormats remain in the interior, and it even has an original Mitsubishi-branded cell phone. Now, while these were impressive performance cars when new, the 3000GT didn’t become the instant classic that its peers did, largely because the owner base wasn’t quite as fanatical as they were with Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda – at least not at the price tier that a fully loaded VR4 rang in at. This is a total guess, but I’d assume most buyers of the 3000GT opted for the lower-trim SL model, which doesn’t exactly inspire loyal legions of owners who keep their car under wraps and dusted with a cloth.

The engine bay is spotless and free from any obvious modifications. The turbocharged V6 generated a healthy 300 b.h.p. at 6,000 RPM, but some road test editors claimed at the time that the 3000GT’s weight and complex drivetrain still made it feel slightly strained at times. Now, most of us won’t ever be in a position where a car with these capabilities can’t shovel itself out of its own way, but it’s worth noting that some of the reason for the 3000GT’s obscurity has to do with not being quite as pleasing to drive as its competition. Still, examples like this remind us how wonderfully colorful the middle 90s were for performance cars, along with how rare it is to find a performance vehicle in stock condition. The Buy-It-Now seems reasonable to me, but you can still make a best offer.

Comments

  1. Avatar 370zpp Member

    Prediction: This one will be grabbed up fast.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    I will pose the same question posed for ZR-1 Corvettes. Where do you go for service and/or parts?

    Like 4
    • Avatar Alexander Antoniou Member

      3SX.com

      Like 1
    • Avatar Amy T

      I had this exact car (only black) in college. This was from 2005 to 2007 I had this model and year. Most things I could get done at Midas. There was one repair that I had to go to a dealer to get, but I do not remember what it was.
      I had the regular model 1994 before I had the VR4. Id have to say the VR4 was much funner, but the regular model was much more reliable.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar sparkster

    white with red interior , 34,000 miles on the Los Angeles craigslist for $18,000

    Like 3
  4. Avatar PaulG

    I’m a fan of both the station/conquest and ZR-1 (having owned both) and driven a 3000GT VR-4. My experience was ok, but I don’t think I’d be a player at any price. Most owners gave up after being unable to get anyone to service them.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Bob C.

    These were not what you call ubiquitous, but I always thought they were pretty cool. Oh, can’t forget the rebadged Dodge Stealth.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Stephen Miklos

    Back in 1990 I worked in a Mitsu dealer. I remember when the car trailer pulled with the VR4 on them. The front windshield had the owner’s name on it. There was one color it was a Bahama blue. This really stood out. I was lucky to drive one. Very cool and fast back then. The exhaust was a hoot to switch back and fourth for the difference in sound. Yes these were complex vehicles. The mechanic went to school to learn to work on them before we got them. I like the Galant VR4. With a stick 4 door that was fun. But sadly didn’t sell that many and the turbo engines always blew the timing belt from having too much fun. I can go on with the other fun cars from Mitsu but don’t want to bore you. Have a great day..😄

    Like 0
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      If the car still has the original timing belt, could it still be good since it does not have 60k miles on it? Can you examine the belt for cracks & suppleness with it still on the car?
      I wonder if modern replacement rubber timing belts for these cars are better quality than in ’91 & can last 100k miles like on other cars.
      The non turbo dohc 3000gt was rated at 222 hp with 2 mufflers out back. Oddly, the stealth dohc non turbo was also rated at 222 hp but had only 1 muffler out back. & was quieter than the 3000gt.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Milind

    Had the 92 Stealth Twin Turbo. At 260km/hr, felt steady as a rock and needed more pavement…miss it sorely, it was stolen☹️

    Like 1

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