1984 Mitsubishi Pajero

In 1983, Bernard Maingret prepared two Pajero's for the Mitsubishi factory in order to participate in the 1984 Dakar Rally. This example is one of the Mitsubishi Pajero Paris-Dakar car. Both of the Pajero SUVs were entered in Group 4 (improved serial production models).

This SUV was driven by Scotsman Andrew Cowan to a 3rd overall and 1st in class in one of the most grueling motorsport events in the world. After the Dakar, the sister car to this example was put on display in the Mitsubishi museum collection in Japan. This example remained in storage in France, where it was only recovered by works driver Rigal some 25 years later. In 2009, it was given a full restoration over a three-year period by Bernard Maingret's team of ex-Mitsubishi works mechanics. The original livery sported in Dakar was recreated, and the color scheme of the works' sponsored Mitsubishi and Nikon. The odometer shows only 15,000 km, the distance driven during the 1984 Dakar.

The original Pajero prototype made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in November of 1973. The Pajero II prototype followed in 1978. In January of 1983, the first Pajero made its debut at the Paris Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 on their third attempt. To date, the Pajero is the most successful vehicle in the Dakar Rally. It has won its class 7 out of the last 10 races and 15 of the full 32 races. It has been successful on the racing scene and in sales.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013