Mitsubishi Lancer EVO V

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Looking for a classic with a difference – then why not consider a gem from Japan suggests Chris Rees?

Japanese cars, for so long neglected by the classic car movement, now have a huge following. That charge has been led by the hard-to-ignore Mazda MX-5, which single-handedly reinvented the two-seater roadster. But so pervasive is the MX-5’s influence that Mr Editor has instructed me not to talk about it. Which is good because there are so many fantastic Japanese classics out there.

From 1970’s retro rides to 21st century performance icons, Japan’s rich car culture has produced an impressive spread of machinery to choose from. The fact that so many of these are ‘under the radar’ in the car market means there are some bargains out there. But our prediction is that values will soon rise for many Japs. Why? Because they’re undervalued and because owners love the fact that they’re more reliable than other classics. So here’s our choice of cars that you can buy at bargain prices, enjoy and, very probably, see increase in value over time. There, I didn’t mention the MX-5 at all. Er, doh!

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO V

PRODUCTION: 1998-1999
VALUES: £6000-£10,000

Mitsubishi made its rally-homologation Lancer Evos from 1992 right up until last year. In that lifespan, the mid-life Evo IV/V/VI was the real stand-out model out of a great line up: raw enough to be truly exciting, and singularly focused as a performance machine. The age when this sort of car was driven by wannabe bank robbers has now passed. Max Powered examples have bitten the dust, and a more mature audience is appreciating original-spec, unmodified cars, which are now rocketing in value. If you can afford the best Evo of the lot – the VI Makinen – then brilliant, but you’ll have to stump up over £20k for a good ’un these days. Offering 95 percent of the same thrills, the earlier Evo V is our pick of all the Evos because it’s such excellent value.

The spec is droolworthy, too: Brembo brakes, rally-style water-spray, aluminium front wings and bonnet. But most of all, it’s the combination of power (280bhp), acceleration (0-60 in 4.8 seconds) and super-sharp cornering that makes an Evo so special. Really special. Mitsubishi also made some outlandish estates under its Ralliart range.