・Extensive servicing history and maintenance records
The Background
Designed to take on the likes of the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra, the Mitsubishi 3000GT was the flagship car of Mitsubishi’s range during the 90s, and for good reason.
Having replaced the ageing but well-loved wedge-shaped Starion, the 3000GT was loaded to the gunwales with technology and on-board computers. Not only that, but power came from a either a naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged, twin-intercooler 3.0-litre V6 engine. We don’t know about you, but that’s enough to get our ears to perk up!
This wasn’t just an all-out technology assault by Mitsubishi, however. The plan was to also capture sales from rival companies by undercutting them on price by basing the 3000GT on a readily-available sports coupe chassis - the Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Having re-worked the chassis to handle the increased power and performance demand, the bodywork was also completely redesigned to the aggressive race-inspired shape you see before you. Add to this styling active aero, a tuneable exhaust, electronically controlled suspension, all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steering, and it’s not hard to see why the 3000GT actually outsold the likes of the 300ZX, RX-7 and Supra combined.
This 1997 3000GT is a UK-spec, UK-delivered model that has been cherished throughout its life and is rare in that it is a very highly-optioned vehicle for a UK market car.
During the vendor’s ownership, the vehicle has been regularly maintained and cherished, spending most of its time garaged when not in use, along with having taken part in numerous Classic Club weekend tours.
Included with this 3000GT is a wealth of paperwork that should prove to be an encouraging sign for any potential bidders. The usual fare such as the current (clean) MOT certificate and stamped service book is included, along with several invoices for parts and work carried out.
Highlights of the aforementioned invoices include a new exhaust system, numerous servicing items and an invoice totalling over £7,900 for underside body repairs to the vehicle following an MOT failure in March 2019, with all the issues having now been addressed.
Full service history:
First Registered on 24/4/1997
24/4/1997 Pre-delivery Inspection
22/5/1997 Free Service 781 Miles - Stamped
16/10/1997 Service 3,125 Miles - Stamped
13/07/1998 Service 5,566 Miles – Stamped
10/05/2000 Service 9,642 Miles – Stamped
04/05/2001 Service 15,198 Miles – Stamped
26/04/2002 Service 17,501 Miles - Stamped
(date unknown) Service 27,603 Miles – Stamped
06/06/2011 Service 51,945 Miles – Invoice
09/06/2012 Service 51,945 Miles – Invoice
--/--/2013 Service 58.984 Miles – Stamped – New Cam Belt
Inside, the cabin of this 3000GT is somewhat paired-back compared to its outlandish exterior, with black plastic and black leather seats being order of the day.
That being said, the cabin looks to be in excellent condition throughout, defying its age and mileage with ease. There is some minor wear to the front seat bolsters and creasing within the leather, though this is commensurate with the age and mileage of the vehicle, and none of the wear appears to have worn through the leather itself.
The gear lever, steering wheel and handbrake show some minor wear-and-tear, though this would likely be remedied with a thorough leather feed and treatment. The carpets and rear bucket seats are both in great shape, and show only minimal signs of use.
The interior is largely standard, barring the fitment of an aftermarket stereo unit boasting USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Boasting an aggressive, yet functional bodykit and active aero, the 3000GT stunned onlookers when it was first revealed to the public, and even to this day it turns heads wherever it goes on account of its wonderfully 90’s styling.
Overall, the bodywork and paint on this Japanese sports car icon look to be in very good condition indeed, with no notable or reported signs of impacts, accident damage or major scuffs, though some stone chips are to be expected from a vehicle of this age and mileage.
The wheels are all in good shape with no notable damage that we can see, while all the correct lenses and badges are in place.
The active aero system which was a major feature of these vehicles is all present and correct, though the vendor notes it is not currently operating, suggesting that the control unit is at fault and needs to be looked at, though this does not affect the usability of the vehicle.
Should the new owner wish to adjust the altitude of this 3000GT, a set of brand-new coilover suspension is supplied with the vehicle.
Underneath the bonnet sits the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, taking up an impressive amount of room within the engine bay.
Everything looks to be in good condition here as far as we can see. The engine itself looks to have been recently cleaned which is always a promising sign, while the additional chrome ‘dress up’ parts show that the vendor and previous owners were car enthusiasts who look after their vehicles.
There is some minor surface corrosion to the offside suspension tower, though this has not been noted as an area of concern, and should be easy enough to strip back, prime and paint should the new owner desire.
The chrome intake pipework certainly stands out against the predominantly red-and-black engine bay, though should the new owner prefer, the original pipework is available with the vehicle. Speaking of intercoolers, the two currently fitted to the vehicle are aftermarket upgrades from Germany, as seen in the invoices below.
The vendor informs us that while there are no mechanical faults with the vehicle, the SRS system warning light is present on the dashboard, despite having previously been investigated and reset during a diagnostic test.
During their ownership, the vendor has taken care of the following items:
17/04/2017 New Propshaft Carrier Bearings
26/04/2017 New Twin Turbo Exhaust Downpipe
21/08/2017 Gearbox & Transfer Box oil change
11/07/2018 Engine Oil & Filter change
11/12/2019 Comprehensive Underbody and Pipeline Refurbishment – New Fuel Pump - see invoice below.
21/08/2020 Engine Oi & Filter change – New Oil Cooler
21/08/2020 New ABS Pump Brackets
31/08/2020 Two New Intercoolers 25/11/2020 New Front Inner Wheel Arches
25/11/2020 New Coilover Suspension Kit - Included with sale for new owner to fit
The Appeal
Offering fantastically 90’s looks and ‘street cred’ with impressive performance and a loyal fan base, this 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT is a fantastic example of the ‘forgotten’ Japanese poster car of the 90s, though if you’re a fan of driving ‘under the radar’ in something only true enthusiasts recognise, then this is the car for you.
Presenting in great condition throughout and with numerous considerate upgrades, this 3000GT needs only some minor fettling to bring it back to its best, just in time to enjoy throughout summer. Happy bidding!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1997 Mitsubishi 3000 GT
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