Vehicle Description
In the 1990s, Japan's biggest car markets battled it out for
technological superiority, and few will argue that the 1991 Z16A
Mitsubishi 3000GT SL wasn't one of the most advanced machines of
its time. With a feisty 3.0L V6 motor, a 5-speed manual, an
electronically controlled suspension, and just about every piece of
optional wizardry available at the time, it was a technological
tour-de-force. It also worked pretty well as a sports car, with
eyeball-flattening acceleration and cornering abilities that
rivaled flypaper for grip.
Today, finding one of these that is still fully functional, let
alone unmodified, nicely maintained, and with so few miles (66,964
actual miles to be exact) is virtually impossible. This low-owner
(with the original owner in possession until 2018) 1991 3000GT SL
model breaks the mold, offering a low-mileage original car that has
not been raced or abused by some kid on the second-hand market.
It's also a really nice car to drive, with a great ride/handling
balance and fairly reasonable fuel economy. Of course, the Monza
Red paint doesn't exactly keep a low profile, but then again, with
these kinds of credentials do you really want to? The paint remains
in really great condition for its age, with only a few normal signs
of use and very light aging, and there's no question this car was
someone's cherished toy and not a street brawler. As far as we can
tell, the finish is mostly original, although the rear bumper and
black accent trim was likely touched-up at some point, but
nevertheless the top driver-quality appearance still looks great in
person. In 1991, Mitsubishi kept the look fairly aggressive for
this Z16A, with multiple air vents in the front valance, a sculpted
aerodynamic hood, side scoops, and a big rear spoiler. The pop-up
headlights were inspired by Samurai war helmets, and the twin
exhaust and rear diffuser out back is an absolute stunner of a
design - you almost want one of these beauties to pass you so you
can just enjoy the show.
Inside, the Mitsu's black-and-gray cloth interior is more cockpit
than sports car, with deeply sculpted power buckets that do all but
grab and hold you in place during cornering. A full complement of
analog gauges and modern electronics keep an eye on vitals, because
the engineers finally realized that needles and numbers work better
than digital bar graphs. This car represents the best-of-the-best
in performance and looks, but you'll find the cockpit-inspired
interior is what really helps set this sportscar off and completes
the package. A Sony multi-media screen was installed in the center
stack (the original radio is also included with the sale) to kick
the stereo up a bit, and with options like power
windows/locks/mirrors/antenna, cruise control, a center console, a
tilt leather steering wheel with a driver's air bag inside, and
cold A/C, this red-hot modern classic has everything you could
possibly need in a sports car. Out back, the rear seat looks barely
used and easily folds down into a sizeable area under the
hatch.
The 3000GT's big claim to fame was always its incredibly agile 3.0L
24-valve DOHC V6, which cranked out a very impressive 222
horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque in 1991. Despite a host of silly
aftermarket performance parts and bolt-on monstrosities available
for this car, the engine bay remains 100% stock, with signs of
regular maintenance and care throughout. Linked to a 5-speed manual
transmission with overdrive, it can scratch and claw its way to top
speeds regardless of the weather and hold on like a cat on shag
carpet. Again, the engine bay is very clean and shows zero
modifications, not even an incorrect air filter, and there's
nothing that would indicate racing or abuse, and certainly nothing
that over-stressed this bulletproof powertrain. Power 4-wheel disc
brakes with ABS are confidence-inspiring, power rack-and-pinion
steering and a sophisticated electronically controlled suspension
make this Z16A handle like a dream, and 16-inch alloys wrapped in
sporty Falken rubber finish the look.
Offered with its original window sticker and owner's manuals this
slick Japanese import is turn-key ready, and if you're mindful of
its pedigree, will continue to rise in value while you drive it.
These are the 'Next Big Thing', and this one's a keeper. Call
today!
