Vehicle Description
1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
"What Mitsubishi set out to do was to cram every bit of high-tech
gadgetry available into its 2 plus 2 3000GT, making it one of the
most advanced sports cars on the planet. Despite its credentials,
the 3000GT can trace its lineage to a little-known car called the
Starion. A rear-wheel drive car, the Starion was initially
conceived as competition for the Nissan Z cars of the 1980's. The
Starion when released was a technological wonder for its day and
sent many rivals back to the drawing board to create turbo cars for
their line-ups. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end,
so when Mitsubishi began planning for the car that would become the
company's replacement for the Starion, they literally started with
a clean sheet of paper.
For consignment, a 37,109 title verified, original mileage, clean
Carfax sportscar. Unlike the masses remaining on this model car, it
has been treated with loving care, not beaten, and still a very
tight car. Starting fast, shifting smooth, well maintained and
running great as well as looking fabulous are just a few of this
car's attributes. The signature of this car is the full time four
wheel drive, four wheel steering and add in the fact that the 1998
model year for the 3000GT VR4 was limited to only 231 examples
produced so you certainly won't be seeing another in the Piggly
Wiggly parking lot.
Exterior
Ominous factory black paint drapes this nearly perfect car and is
seen throughout the exterior. Just a few chip offs are noted, a
strange paint finish on the passenger's door is noted, and the
front lower bumper has a few scuffles with a parking lot curb.
Shiny badging is seen on the rear along with the Diamond Star
Motors, (the Mitsubishi logo to the layperson), badge in red. A
rounded nose moulds the neoprene bumper which sports running
lights, some aero fins within the grille, and side intake air
venting. Headlights ahead of their time in the form of projector
type fog lights and halogen headlamps are present and hide under
clear plastic covers. A coke bottle design with wider quarters than
the doors all gaps are well minded. Just behind the doors is more
intake venting, and starting atop the rear quarters are the points
of a high arching rear spoiler. On top, a full roof sunroof can be
slid back to increase airflow into the cabin. All exterior glass is
scratch free and in good condition and is all surrounded by black
trimmings. 18 inch chrome finished wheels are wrapped in almost new
245/45ZR18's on all 4 corners. These wheels do have corrosion and
rippling of the chrome finish with the worst being on the
passenger's front and the passenger's rear wheel has a notable bend
on the outside face, however the tire still holds air.
Interior
Racetrack inspired curves make up the tan molded plastic door
panels which house the window and lock toggles and a large speaker.
A heavily padded leather wrapped panel is inserted just below the
sill and is a hint of what you'll see in the interior. Speaking of
which, lightly aged tan leather wraps the two overstuffed front
buckets which show power adjustments on the driver's side seat. For
the rear a tubbed 2 plus 2 rear bench is in back and does not
afford the most room, but is comfy to sit in. A Mitsubishi Infinity
AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system is controllable from the leather
wrapped tilt-able steering wheel. In front of the driver is a
deeply recessed gauge cluster under a sculpted eyebrow and to the
right at top center stage of the dash are all important gauges, one
of which monitors boost levels. A digital climate control system is
seen just above the stereo and below in the swoopy console is the
cruise control switch. Very clean beige colored lighter carpeting
is seen on the floors along with factory carpeted 3000GT floor
mats.
Drivetrain
A 3.0 Liter 6G72 TT 24 valve EFI 6-cylinder engine fitted with twin
turbos that are intercooler equipped making 320hp and is paired
with a Gertrag 6-speed manual transmission allow this car to be a
rocket ship! On the rear biased axles, (55% rear, 45% front), power
pulses through 3.87 geared final drive ratio axles. Of note, our
consignor states that the timing belt has been replaced recently to
ensure longevity of the engine.
Undercarriage
A nice gray patina covers all surfaces underneath. Just a hint or
two of some surface rust, but not on structural parts. Fairly
simple under here as it has been left mostly blank to aid in the
aero package. For handling we see MacPherson front struts, and on
back coil springs with trailing arms. Power disc brakes on all 4
corners harness all that power and bring it to a fast stop,
meanwhile handling the exhale is a Borla dual tailpipe exhaust
system.
Drive-Ability
This all working, nicely preserved early Japanese techno car fired
right up and worked like a charm. Fast acceleration once you get by
the turbo lag, great handling and smooth shifting. Braking was bias
free on the panic stop test. All was very comfortable and exhibited
a nice ergonomic design for this driver.
A rare, low mileage, original and not torn up by a person from a
younger generation, rocket ship. A press the throttle and hang on
spaceship well ahead of its time, well maintained and loaded with
features still not replicated today. These cars don't last long so
hurry to our Hallowed Halls and enjoy this exotic cruiser for the
power hungry!
VIN DECODE
JA3AN74K6WY002421
J-Japan
A-Mitsubishi
3-Passenger Car
A-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
N-3000 GT VR4
7-Ultimate
4-Hatchback
K-3.0L V6 Twin Turbo
W-Check Digit
R-1994
Y-Nagoya, Japan Assy Plant
002412-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
