Mitsubishi’s Dakar Legend Reborn: The 1985 Pajero’s Journey Back to Life

Mitsubishi once dominated the world of off-road racing. This success directly boosted vehicle sales in showrooms. Brands like Mitsubishi built their reputation on such victories. Their racing achievements often translated into market appeal for their production models.

Mitsubishi holds a significant legacy in off-road competition. Many enthusiasts recall the Lancer Evolution’s triumphs in the World Rally Championship. Tommi Mäkinen drove these cars to widespread fame. Jutta Kleinschmidt also achieved a historic Dakar win with Mitsubishi. However, the brand secured major success even before these well-known victories.

Mitsubishi Restores its First Dakar Victory 4×4

In 1985, Mitsubishi secured its first Dakar Rally victory. Patrick Zaniroli and Jean da Silva piloted a factory Pajero/Montero to the win. Andrew Cowan and Johnstone Syer finished second, completing a Mitsubishi one-two. The grueling 10,284 km journey began in Versailles on January 1. It concluded in Dakar on January 22, next to the iconic Lac Rose. Of that, 7,487 km comprised timed special stages.

After its triumphant win, the Mitsubishi Pajero (known as Montero in Spain) returned to Japan. This historic vehicle spent years stored within the brand’s research and development department. It remained largely unseen and forgotten over time, despite its significant achievement.

A Weapon Built for Dakar Victory

This first-generation, three-door Pajero/Montero was purpose-built for the Dakar. Engineers moved the front axle forward. This modification optimized weight distribution for the engine. The street model’s original ladder frame chassis remained in place. Its 2.6-liter 4G54 turbo 4-cylinder engine produced 225 hp. A 5-speed gearbox allowed the vehicle to reach a top speed of 185 km/h.

Engineers lightened the vehicle significantly for the race. Kevlar-reinforced plastic body panels replaced standard ones. This made the 1985 model 200 kg lighter than the 1984 Pajero/Montero. The rear rigid axle suspension featured a three-way system. The front utilized a multi-link double-arm setup. Its original Nikon sponsor livery remains intact. Even the scratches and other “war wounds” accumulated during its victory are preserved.

Dakar and WRC Engineers Lead Restoration

Now, coinciding with its 40th anniversary, Mitsubishi engineers completed the Pajero’s restoration. The team fully disassembled the 4×4. They meticulously inspected every component. They then reassembled it using as many original parts as possible. The engine and suspension underwent full restoration. The chassis, dashboard, and seats are the original components from 1985. This historic vehicle even appeared in several simulators, including various Gran Turismo titles.

The restoration team included engineers who previously worked on Mitsubishi’s official Dakar and WRC programs. These experts had experience with vehicles like the Dakar-winning Pajero Evolution, driven by Stéphane Peterhansel. They also guided younger engineers throughout the project. This ensured the transfer of classic competition car knowledge to a new generation of Mitsubishi talent.

Returned to Drivable Condition After 40 Years

Mitsubishi confirms the car is now in drivable condition. The company has not yet determined its specific plans for the vehicle. A new Montero Sport model is also on the horizon. The restored Pajero could be displayed in the brand’s museum. Alternatively, it might appear in events like the Dakar Classic category for historic vehicles.

The revival of this racing icon brings excitement to fans of the brand and motorsport. This 1985 victory marked the first of 12 Dakar wins for the Pajero/Montero. Seven of those victories came consecutively between 2001 and 2007. Today, Mitsubishi aims to recover some of its sporting DNA. This ambition extends beyond its current lineup of Outlander PHEV, L200, and Renault-derived models.