HIGHLIGHTS
- Ultra-rare first-generation Shogun
- Amazingly solid
- Seven-seater
- Unrestored and original
THE APPEAL
In many ways, the Mitsubishi Shogun was a bit of a trendsetter. One of the first of a new breed of family-friendly Japanese SUVs, it changed the landscape of the 4x4 market and moved it away from utilitarian buyers and more towards a different, more upmarket clientele.
Yet despite being well-equipped and comfortable – not to mention reliable – the Shogun was also a proper workhorse. Dual-range selectable four-wheel-drive and strong powertrains gave it excellent off-road and towing ability, making it popular with farming families.
This one is a rare find. Due to their nature, most early Shoguns have been driven into the ground, but this is a true survivor. Completely original and unrestored, it’s a remarkably solid and complete example of the range-topping 3.0-litre V6 Auto seven-seat example. A fabulous family classic and a great piece of Japanese motoring nostalgia.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT recently expired as vehicle has been in storage, but vendor is happy to arrange a new test for the next keeper and is confident it won’t require much work
- Several old MOT certificates from the 1990s onward
- Some receipts for historic work carried out
- Was used regularly until 2015, then recommissioned in 2021 and refurbished to road legal condition
THE INTERIOR
- Grey velour trim
- Seven-seater, with two fold-down rear chairs and a fully reclining rear bench allowing it to also be used as a bed
- Completely original condition, with some wear commensurate with 32 years of use but remarkably straight, tidy and intact
- All four electric windows work perfectly
- Original Grundig radio-cassette player
- Altimeter, pitch and roll indicator and external temperature sensor in additional pod on top of dash – original specification, not aftermarket
- Power sunroof – motor operates but does not currently open
- Cruise control
THE EXTERIOR
- Original silver paint – faded in places but with no major damage or evident corrosion
- Small rust bubbles to front corners and on lower sills
- Previous paint repair to nearside rear arch
- Chassis, outriggers and crossmembers all in remarkably solid condition – some surface rust but no evidence of any advanced rot that we were able to ascertain
- Tow bar with electrics
- Various scuffs and marks to body but nothing significant
- Original V6 3000 logos on rear quarters
- Factory alloys with part-worn Dynatrac tyres
THE MECHANICS
- Original 3.0-litre V6
- Four-speed automatic transmission with switchable overdrive
- Dual-range transmission with selectable four-wheel-drive, all in apparently good order
- Starts and runs very well – extremely quiet at idle and wilst driving, with smooth gear changes
- Brakes, steering and suspension all appeared fine whilst driving on private farmland
SUMMARY
Not only is this an immensely practical and quirky classic, but it’s one with a devout following among those in the know. It also comes with an incredible amount of the “find another” factor, as you’re unlikely to. Mk 1 Shoguns are rare at the best of times – a V6 3000 Auto with all of the toys, unmodified, unspoilt and not rotten to the core is quite something, yet this one ticks all of those boxes. Structurally, it appears to be really good. Mechanically, it’s as sweet as they come. It’s all there and the bodywork is straight and sound. It’s a funky, fun and usable machine as it is, or a perfect basis to take to the next level and turn into a truly superb example.
Notice to bidders
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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