This Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is a superb example of the attention-grabbing homologation special, with the lesser-seen factory manual gearbox. It is powered by a 206kW / 276bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine with unique MIVEC-equipped cylinder heads, with selectable four-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission. The Pajero Evolution is an extremely rare model, and this example has a fully documented history and just five owners from new. It represents the most successful model in the Dakar Rally ever, with the Pajero taking 12 victories from 1985 through to 2007. In 1998, the model secured an incredible 1-2-3 finish, truly cementing its reputation as ‘King of the Desert’, and giving the Evolution street variant remarkable racing pedigree. This example has undergone a thorough mechanical restoration alongside the fitment of numerous new and genuine Mitsubishi interior and exterior parts. Approximately 2,500 road-legal versions of the Pajero Evolution were built for the Japanese market, all of which featured Recaro front seats and redesigned bodywork with flared wheel arches, a wraparound rear spoiler and a scooped bonnet, which give the car a more aggressive appearance. Only around 600 of these cars are understood to have left the factory with the five-speed manual transmission. This Pajero is finished in Scotia White, and rides on colour-coded Dakar-homage BradleyV 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, all wrapped in matching Goodyear SUV tyres, and accented by red Ralliart mud flaps. The original wheels are also included in the sale. Inside, there is dark grey cloth trim for the Recaro seats, fabric trim for the top of the door cards, and all of the original cabin features. There is carbon trim for the air vents and HVAC console, with factory air conditioning, electric windows, and an aftermarket touchscreen Pioneer media system with Apple CarPlay. The original toolkit is also present, stored in a compartment within the rear door. The ownership history confirms 1st owner between 1997-2011, 2nd 2011-2014, 3rd 2014-2018, 4th 2018-2020, and current/fifth owner 2020-present. There has been no known bodywork damage. Its paintwork is thought to be original and is presented in superb condition, having been professionally detailed and ceramic coated. The finish is well documented by the detailed photo gallery. New exterior parts include a new genuine front grille and Evolution badges. Inside, the cabin trim is in remarkable order, with no visible wear or damage to any of the seat upholstery, and with the plastic panels free of scratches or scuffs. The seller states that it genuinely feels ‘as new’ inside. A light interior restoration included fitment of a new transfer case lever, gear lever, handbrake, door pulls, interior factory decals, and cup holder. No electrical or mechanical faults have been detected. The vehicle has a comprehensive Mitsubishi dealer service history up to 85,000km. Prior to importation into Australia at 121,000km, a Mitsubishi main dealer (Utsonomiya Mitsubishi in Japan) installed a new transmission, timing belt, water pump, clutch at 85,000km. Upon landing, its front-end suspension was rebuilt with new pitman arm and idler, tie rods, ball joints, new shocks, new Endless brake pads. A new clutch master and slave were also installed at the same time. Its freewheel all-wheel drive control system has been completely rebuilt with a brand-new actuator, hoses and solenoids. A recent major service was conducted 12 months ago where engine oil, transmission oil, transfer case and differential oils were replaced, new radiator hoses were installed, new accessory belts were fitted, plus new spark plugs and new coil packs. This Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is a rare limited-run off-roader, built to homologate the vehicle for the Dakar Rally, and fitted with a powerful V6 engine. Having a fully documented history with just five owners from new and being a factory five-speed manual, it would make an exciting addition to any motorsport-themed garage. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.