The recent Labor Day holiday reminds us that any long weekend is a great opportunity to take a road trip. It’s a long-standing tradition to pile into a vehicle that’s just comfortable enough to make it a few hours to somewhere other than home, and see what adventure awaits. The minivan was once the vehicle of choice for many individuals and families committed to adventure, and for a time, your options extended beyond the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager to include oddballs like this 1988 Mitsubishi Van LS listed on Facebook Marketplace for $11,500.
In recent years, Mitsubishi has teased bringing its wildly popular 4WD Delica van to the United States. If it did this, the decision would likely single-handedly transform the company’s fortunes, which have looked pretty bleak here in the States. With a pitiful lineup of forgettable commuter cars, Mitsubishi isn’t the company that used to build turbocharged sport compacts and burly off-roaders. The aptly named “Van” did poorly in the U.S. when introduced, not entirely unlike its counterparts at Nissan and Toyota. The cab-over design, sluggish performance, and poor crash protection didn’t exactly win over American shoppers.
It’s really too bad, because the packaging was otherwise quite clever. You had terrific views out the multiple windows, easy movement between the front and rear passenger compartments, and limo-like space for occupants. I personally loved the styling, which struck me as futuristic in ways the domestic brands couldn’t capture. Engine-wise, it relied on a 2.4L four-cylinder to provide power, but it wasn’t much: around 107 b.h.p. and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. The automatic was pretty much a foregone conclusion, but the Toyota variant could be found with three pedals.
Over the years, the Japanese market version now known as the Delica has shown up on our shores as an imported specimen under the 25-year rule. It typically features 4WD and a lifted suspension, along with other features that allow it to go off-road. This version of Mitsubishi’s van is clearly an on-road-only model, and likely one of the nicest surviving examples left, given how rarely they pop up for sale. It looks like a fascinating vehicle to add to a collection of Japanese oddballs, and to use on the occasional road trip. Did your family have one of these unusual vans back in the day?
I’m with you Jeff. I always thought that these and the Toyota vans were nicely designed. Although, as you also said, basically your toes are touching the radiator and are most certainly are the first to arrive at an accident scene.I always thought it was great that you could get the Toyota with a stick. This one looks like a time capsule.
Interesting to see one…. at all. Let alone, in good shape. I barely even remember them. Maybe I saw a few back in the day, I’m not sure.
It may be nice, but how easy will it be to find someone willing to dig that deep into their wallet.
Steve R
Added bonus: you can have a tailgate party on the FRONT bumper.