It might be difficult to accept today that Mitsubishi was once a dominant force in rallying, but it possesses the accolades to back it up. Different versions of the Mitsubishi Pajero (or Montero in the U.S.) triumphed in the challenging Dakar Rally 12 times—including a streak of seven consecutive victories from 2001 to 2007. Now, the vehicle that initiated this period of supremacy is receiving some much-deserved recognition.
The Pajero that secured Mitsubishi’s inaugural Dakar win in 1985 hasn’t exactly been honored as the champion it is. Per a video from the company, after the rally, it was left to accumulate dust at Mitsubishi’s R&D center in Okazaki, Japan, remaining untouched for 40 years. In celebration of the anniversary, Mitsubishi has finally restored it, enlisting the help of some seasoned Dakar and World Rally Championship engineers for the task.
In 1985, the Dakar Rally commenced in Paris and concluded in Dakar, Senegal (it later transitioned to South America and then the Middle East). That year’s route spanned 6,390 miles over 22 days, featuring 4,652 miles of competitive special stages. Competing vehicles included Land Cruisers, Range Rovers, Porsche 959s, and Opel Mantas.
To tackle this challenge, Mitsubishi employed a stock body-on-frame chassis with the front axle repositioned forward to enhance weight distribution, body panels crafted from carbon fiber and Kevlar-reinforced plastic to reduce weight, and a three-link rear suspension (instead of leaf springs) to boost drivability. A turbocharged, 2.6-liter inline-four engine generated 222 horsepower, distributed to all four wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
A blend of speed and durability allowed drivers Patrick Zaniroli and Jean Da Silva to clinch the overall victory, while Andrew Cowan and Syer Johnstone secured second place in another Pajero, providing Mitsubishi with a formidable 1-2 finish. This was the first Dakar victory for a Japanese manufacturer and the dawn of a golden era for Mitsubishi in motorsports. Nowadays, the automaker focuses more on mere survival, so restoring the 1985 Dakar champion helps evoke those more favorable times.
Despite being abandoned to deteriorate without upkeep post-Dakar, Mitsubishi asserts the Pajero was in relatively decent condition. The engine was simply refurbished, not entirely reconstructed, according to the automaker. The original body panels were also preserved, retaining the Alaska-acquired dents and scratches from the rally.
We are unlikely to encounter anything like the Pajero in the near future, but Mitsubishi is making progress in the right direction. In October, it announced a new “rugged” variant of the Outlander crossover featuring “off-road bodywork” and “off-road focused drive modes and performance improvements” set to come to the U.S. by next year’s end. While it may not be ready for Dakar, it promises to be more engaging than the rest of Mitsubishi’s current offerings.
**Mitsubishi Revives First Dakar-Winning Pajero After Years of Neglect**
In a noteworthy development that has intrigued automotive fans and rally enthusiasts, Mitsubishi Motors has declared the revival of the legendary Pajero that secured its first triumph in the Dakar Rally. This historic vehicle, which has remained inactive for years, is being reintroduced as part of Mitsubishi’s dedication to honoring its rich motorsport legacy while also reaching out to a new generation of off-road fans.
### The Pajero Legacy
The Mitsubishi Pajero has been a symbol of toughness and dependability, especially regarding off-road racing. Debuting in the early 1980s, the Pajero quickly established itself as a strong competitor in the Dakar Rally, an arduous endurance event that pushes the limits of both human and machine across some of the world’s most brutal terrains. Its inaugural victory in 1983 signified the start of a prosperous phase for Mitsubishi in the Dakar, where the Pajero would significantly prevail during the 1980s and 1990s.
### Resurrecting a Classic
After being sidelined for years, Mitsubishi’s choice to revive the first Dakar-winning Pajero pays homage to its illustrious history. This vehicle, which initially showcased cutting-edge technology and engineering for its era, is being restored to its previous grandeur. This revival not only commemorates the brand’s legacy but also underscores Mitsubishi’s relentless commitment to off-road excellence and adventure.
The rehabilitated Pajero will incorporate modern improvements while maintaining the traditional design features that distinguished it in the rally world. This includes enhancements to the engine, suspension, and safety attributes, guaranteeing that the vehicle aligns with contemporary standards while still honoring its heritage.
### Effects on Motorsports and Enthusiasts
Mitsubishi’s rejuvenation of the Pajero is anticipated to rekindle interest in the Dakar Rally and off-road motorsport overall. With the automotive industry moving towards electrification and sustainability, the reintroduction of a classic rally vehicle serves as a poignant reminder of the excitement and thrills that traditional motorsports deliver. It also presents opportunities for Mitsubishi to connect with fans and collectors who value the history and craftsmanship surrounding such vehicles.
Furthermore, the revival is expected to inspire a fresh wave of off-road enthusiasts to discover the Pajero’s potential, on and off the track. Mitsubishi intends to organize events and exhibitions that spotlight the renewed vehicle, allowing fans to engage with the Pajero’s legacy directly.
### Conclusion
Mitsubishi’s revival of the first Dakar-winning Pajero transcends a mere restoration effort; it is a homage to the brand’s rich motorsport history and a strategic initiative to forge connections with both devoted fans and new clientele. As the automotive realm continues to transform, Mitsubishi’s resolve to celebrate its past while welcoming the future exemplifies the enduring allure of the Pajero and the adventurous spirit it embodies. This revival not only safeguards a significant piece of automotive history but also paves the way for new escapades ahead.