2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6.5 TME

Who would have guessed that when Mitsubishi rolled out its Lancer Evolution GSR way back in the misty distant past of 1992 it would evolve through ten generations and go on to dominate the WRC!

After 24 years of international mudslinging and tarmac melting success, all the while building an enormous cult following, the Lancer Evolution took its final bow in 2016.

Arguably the most desirable version of the most desirable generation of Evolutions is the Tommi Makinen Edition 6.5 or TME. A road legal missile fitted with a 2.0 litre, DOHC 16 valve engine with intercooled turbocharger that delivers 206kW to the road via a full-time 4WD system.

Released in 1999 to celebrate the four WRC successes of Makinen, an indelible rally legend, this was the car that shouldn’t have won the Monte Carlo Rally and the Safari Rally Kenya when outgunned and outpaced by revised Group A regulations but did.

The first official Australian delivered Mitsubishi Evolution with just 98 cars reaching our shores the TME Evolution 6.5 boasts a host of go-fast-er bits over the standard 6.0 including a more responsive turbo charger that uses the exact same titanium alloy composition as the Group A car, a revised exhaust for increased back-pressure, lower ride height for improved road holding, a faster steering rack and signature a-symmetric front bar.

Perhaps the most special example in the country, the car offered is an Australian delivered Tomi Makinen Edition Evolution 6.5, travelled just 36,000 kilometres and in completely original condition with an options list longer than Merlin’s beard.

Ordered in Makinen’s Hero combination of Passion Red with sticker pack, delivered new through Sutherland Mitsubishi in November of 2001 the first owner ticked every. single. option. box. building the ultimate and totally uncompromising TME Evolution 6.5 in the process.

Totalling $132,100.77 when new this car is optioned with a Kenwood sound/DVD system, Nokia phone system, turbo-timer, Sports-Tuning clutch, Ralli Art brake hoses, brake master cylinder, air-filter, air induction piping, intercooler piping, mud flaps, central gauge cluster, front and rear strut assemblies, knee rests, pedal set, oil cap, radiator cap, carbon fiber dash, handbrake and gear levers as well as stainless steel sill plates all fitted by Mitsubishi. The options list is two pages long.

In as new condition with zero modifications from new, inside this time machine the suede TME Recaro seats are firm to the touch and show no wear, the Momo steering wheel still holds the contrast red stitching as does the gear shifter boot and all dash and door switch gear is pristine- all tell-tale signs we look for in a cherished car.

Outside the panel fit and finish is second to none with all of the correct bits including the signature twin wing, mud flaps, white Enkei alloys, both driver and passenger window visors and all correct badges and decals in excellent condition.

Accompanying the car are the original books, the certificate of authenticity issued to all Australian delivered TME cars, the factory options list with delivery information, a swathe of service receipts and both original keys.

Benefitting from a recent major service and professional detail this incredibly rare car is excellently prepared for its next custodian.

THE standout car from a truly golden era of all-wheel-drive rally never to be repeated this low kilometre, Australian delivered and truly ultimate specification Evolution 6.5 TME isn’t just one of the most incredible drives you will ever experience, with the rise and rise of rally car values and interest around the world it also offers an exciting and very unique investment opportunity.