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MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION VI ‘ TOMMI MÄKINEN ’ EDITION by Aidan Fitzsimmons
Over the last few months we have taken a look at retro vehicles from the early 70 ’ s to the late 80 ’ s . This months edition we will be looking at a modern classic - the one and only Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI 6.5 Tommi Mäkinen Edition .
The Mitsubishi Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition was first released in 1999 with a limited run of 2,500 production models . Available colours were Canal Blue , Pyrenees Black , Scotia White , and , of course Passion Red . The latter of all , when combined with the Special Colour Pack , is the most sought after , for its obvious resemblance to the livery used on Mäkinen ’ s rally-spec Evo . If you don ’ t know who Tommi Mäkinen is , you might want to take a look on YouTube for his excellent driving skills and World Rally titles .
Tommi Mäkinen was born 26th June 1964 & is a Finnish racing executive and former driver . Mäkinen is one of the most successful WRC drivers of all time , ranking fifth in rally wins ( 24 ) and third in championships ( 4 ), tied with Juha Kankkunen behind Sébastien Ogier ( 8 ) and Sébastien Loeb ( 9 ). In 2018 , as a head of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT , he became the first person in the history of rally driving to win a championship both as a driver and as a team principal . He also aided Mitsubishi to the 1998 World Constructors ’ title as well as winning the 2000 Race of Champions .
The nineties are often regarded as the golden era for rallying . You had the likes of Colin McRae with Subaru , Carlos Sainz with Toyota and , of course , Tommi Mäkinen with Mitsubishi . And while many dreamt of being able to light up the circuits like the drivers mentioned above , possessing such skills would require some form of miracle . What we could have , however , was a taste of the action for the roads , with many of the cars we saw hurtling across gravel at break neck speed available for purchase albeit in a slightly toned down form , admittedly thanks to homologation rules . One of the sports cars that embodied the very spirit of “ race on Sunday , sell on Monday ” was the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo . The car was a dominant feature in rallying throughout the ‘ 90s , while at the same time being one of the go to choices for road going petrolheads across the world . Tommi Mäkinen made the success he created behind the wheel of the Evo .
Performance & Interior The production of the Lancer Evolution VI TME , which is propelled by Mitsubishi ’ s 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC intercooler / turbocharged engine , which has been tuned and configured for best performance on the tarmac and has interior and exterior trim reflecting a WRC motif . The 276bhp Mitsubishi boasts a number of upgrades over the standard car , including a redesigned bodykit , 10mm lower suspension with upgraded dampers , a helical front limited-slip differential , a faster-spooling titanium turbocharger , a front strut brace , and an upgraded exhaust system . Not to forget a top speed of 150mph with a 0-62 time of just 4.6 seconds .
This example is finished in the lesser seen Canal Blue over a black synthetic suede trimmed interior , with red perforated cloth seat inserts , and featuring Recaro front seats with white embroidered ‘ T . Mäkinen Edition ’ lettering . It rides on the correct set of 17-inch Enkei Ralliart multi-spoke alloy wheels , finished in gloss white , housing red Brembo callipers , and shod with
Bridgestone Turanza tyres at the front and Goodyear Eagle F1s at the rear . The factory specification includes a Mitsubishi-branded Momo steering wheel , automatic climate control , an Alpine stereo , electrically adjustable folding mirrors , an intercooler water sprayer , and aluminium Ralliart pedals . This particular Evo VI now features some upgrades including a HKS Silent hipower exhaust system , drilled and grooved front brake discs , and a Mitsubishi steering column-mounted boost gauge .
What to look for ... As all Evos are technically imports , as they are made in Japan and brought into the UK , officially by Colt Cars , or as ‘ grey ’ imports by a third party import company , it is vital that they are prepared correctly for UK roads . One of the main things you need to check is that it has been undersealed . Japanese cars are not undersealed . They don ’ t need to be , but in the UK it ’ s essential that they are undersealed as soon as possible to protect against UK weather and salt that will quickly corrode untreated metal . When it comes to selecting the right car , documentation , receipts and a complete service history is a must , with a vehicle inspection by a specialist highly recommended . Many Evos have been owned by members of the popular Mitsubishi Lancer Register or are known to members , so don ’ t be afraid to do some research into the car you are looking at before parting with your cash , especially now as prices are at an all-time high and rising !
Many of these cars as well as the Subaru Imprezas will have been modified over the years . Check that the turbo is the correct one for the vehicle along with the air filter etc as this could be a costly find or fix if gone wrong .
Ownership ... The Evo ’ s 4G63 2.0-litre turbo engine is strong , but does require regular servicing ( fully synthetic oil needs changing every 4500 miles , AYC fluid every 9000 , brake fluid every 18,000 miles and spark plugs and timing belts every 45,000 miles ). Look for signs of grey or blue smoke , which could indicate an expensive cylinder or turbo problem . White smoke is normal ( condensation ) as is some black smoke , especially on de-catted cars or those running a bit rich . A ticking sound from the top of the engine is normal and usually disappears when revved . Manifold heat shields are prone to tarnishing , and you should ensure any tuning has been carried out by an expert .
In summary : This Mitsubishi Evo VI ‘ Tommi Mäkinen ’ Edition is a sought after modern classic Japanese performance hero , offered in largely original condition and supported by a strong maintenance history . Presented in excellent overall condition , with a handsome factory colour scheme and some discerning mechanical upgrades to enhance the already potent performance , it would make a fine addition to any assembly of Japanese performance heroes , and an engaging companion that is ready to thrill on its new owner ’ s favourite roads .
This vehicle is available at Woods of Wirral Motor Company based in Hoylake Wirral . For all information please contact myself Aidan Fitzsimmons on 07841 633219 or email aidan @ woodsofwirral . co . uk
Price £ 25,000 - £ 100,000 wirrallife . com 81