Like stumbling upon a neglected classic car in a barn, discovering this decaying Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I GSR evokes a sense of both sadness and intrigue. Inspired by tales of forgotten automotive gems, it feels essential to delve into the story of this first-generation Evo before time and the elements reclaim it entirely. This isn’t just any old car; this is the genesis of a legend, the very first in a lineage that would dominate the World Rally Championship for years to come.
What exactly are we looking at? While it might not be the fire-breathing, rally-stage conquering Evo immediately conjured to mind from the golden era of Group A rallying, this is indeed a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution – the original model. It’s the car that started it all, the ancestor to a dynasty that secured four WRC driver’s titles and cemented Mitsubishi’s place in rally history.
The Birth of a Rally Legend: The Lancer Evolution I GSR
Much like Subaru, who was making waves with their Legacy RS, Mitsubishi had been achieving rally successes with the larger Galant VR-4. However, they recognized the need for a more compact and agile platform to truly conquer the demanding special stages of the WRC. The answer was the Lancer Evolution. Built on the smaller and lighter Lancer chassis, it was designed from the outset with rallying in mind.
This wasn’t the first time the GSR badge appeared on a Lancer. Mitsubishi had already tasted rally success with the Lancer 1600 GSR, securing three consecutive victories in Australia’s Southern Cross Rally. Driven by the legendary Andrew Cowan, this earlier Lancer GSR laid the groundwork for Mitsubishi’s rally ambitions. Cowan himself went on to establish Ralliart Europe, the very organization responsible for constructing Mitsubishi’s factory WRC rally cars up until 2005, further cementing the GSR lineage in rally history.
When the Lancer Evo I entered the rally stages in 1993, it was immediately competitive, carrying on the momentum of the Galant VR-4. However, it was the evolution – quite literally – of the platform that truly brought victory. With increased power and aerodynamic refinements to the front splitter and rear wing on the Evo III, Mitsubishi finally clinched their first WRC win, paving the way for future dominance.
Beneath the moss and decay of this particular Evo I lies the same robust 4G63T turbocharged engine, coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and the sophisticated All-Wheel Drive system that became synonymous with the Evolution name. This potent combination is the foundation for immense potential, even in its current state.
Only 5,000 units of the original Evo I were produced, specifically for homologation purposes, a testament to its rally-focused origins. This limited production run likely explains why this particular example, despite its weathered condition, hasn’t yet been relegated to the scrapyard. It’s a piece of automotive history that, perhaps, still holds value.
What do you see when you look at this forgotten Lancer Evo I GSR? Is it a valuable piece of automotive heritage deserving of preservation, or is it simply a relic of the past, beyond saving? The answer likely lies in the eye of the beholder, and perhaps, in the hands of a passionate restorer willing to revive this sleeping rally legend.
