Description
1987 Mitsubishi Starion 2. 6 Turbo Widebody LHD
Very reluctantly selling my 1987 Mitsubishi Starion 2. 6 Turbo Widebody… I personally imported this from the USA, back in August 2019, because I couldn’t find one here, and I also wanted a rust-free example, so I opted to own a LHD solid model, that’s had no welding and have loved every minute of it! It has 2 previous owners (last one had it since 1999), very original and generally unmodified car, around 106k miles, MOT til late November 2024, starts on the button and runs well.
Naturally, with any older car, I’d call it a “useable rolling project”… useable on a regular basis, but with scope to spend as little or as much on it, as you want! The basic car is good, and I’ve enjoyed it for nearly 5yrs, with only minor maintenance. Here are the details:
EXTERIOR:
The bodywork and chassis are all very solid, the car came from a warmer climate, so rust hasn’t been an issue and still remains that way. Tyres are all very new, wheels are in great shape, lights all work and it is very straight visually. It was recently repainted to a decent standard, as the sun bleached car was quite faded, so it’s looking really tidy now.
Main flaws are: The glass sunroof doesn’t work and is needing replacing or sealing (not leaking)… Small door ding on passenger door and two small dings on the nose apron. Electric aerial has recently stopped working… otherwise visually, that’s it! Not bad for nearly 40yrs old! It would benefit a good valet, because there’s red dust around the engine bay and interior from being sat in a paint shop… it wipes off but ideally, a good clean is needed.
INTERIOR:
Both front leather seats are newly upholstered, so are in great condition… passenger seat developed a lump in the seat in the searing heat last year, but it’s fine otherwise… carpets and headliner are also good, along with the dashboard (not cracked)… steering wheel is a little weathered and has a cover on it and the centre console is duct-tape finished, just around the gear stick area. Radio does light up and is original but truly needs replacing… the aircon is disconnected! Heater is brilliant though…
Inside is very respectable and comfy… if you’re over 6’ tall, you may want to extend the seat rails, they’re not the biggest cars inside. Oh the rear boot lid shocks are both bad and a pole is used to hold up the hatch.
MECHANICS:
The car starts on the button, always has and in all temperatures… I always leave it running for a few mins after a cold start and 30secs before I shut it down. It had a service in 2022, inc plugs, oil, filter, waterpump, coolant change and a couple of front suspension components. It’s probably only done 5-700 miles since. I’ve had other various bits changed along the way, and most recently a section of the exhaust fabricating towards the back box and the PS pump was rebuilt, along with a new battery.
It has a minor engine and gearbox oil leak… a few drips underneath after a long drive, but generally rarely needs topping up. Brakes are fine, pads and discs are all ok and all wheels spin freely. Steering box has the common play in it, but there is a used one in the boot, along with several other spare bits. Gearbox and clutch are all good, it’s quite a smooth car to drive. This is the camchain model, so no belt needed.
Worth noting, the car still has California emissions equipment on, which are fully removable and can be blanked off… This does contribute towards underperformance… Turbo is fine though, but a few easy mods would bring this car to life! Meanwhile, it’s incredibly good on fuel! No clue why!
Anything else worth noting, it’s probably still on its original suspension, so it’s a bit squishy and boat-like… drives fine and straight but as I say, it’s very original throughout. The electric aerial will want looking at too, because since it stopped working, the car battery will discharge over a few days… so I leave the positive off when parked up. Use it often and it doesn’t affect things.
SUMMARY:
The basis is very good, it is a completely useable classic car, heavily appreciating and super rare! You’d need £20k+ to buy a decent one these days! I drive it at weekends (when dry), and on quite long trips through the Cotswolds… it consistently impresses me and is still really reliable and hasn’t let me down once, even in recent years 40 degree heat. Yes you can spend a few grand on it if you wanted to modify it or make it mint, or you can spend £50 on petrol, and just enjoy it… choice is yours. It’s still a Starion and it’s still got a long MOT and there are not many around at all. No welding needed either… A rare opportunity right here!
Possibly well suited to a European owner being LHD?
