Description
Mitsubishi Prototype Rallye Raid Pajero | 1985
Highlights:
- Original 1985 prototype built by Sonauto for Dakar Rally
- One of a kind
- Tubular frame and polyester bodywork
- Rare and authentic piece of rally raid history
- Freshly painted, suitable for historic off-road events
- Solid mechanical base for further preparation
The seller offers for sale this 1985 Mitsubishi Prototype Rallye Raid Pajero, originally built by the Sonauto team for use in rally raids. This particular example last participated in the Paris-Dakar in 1988. Constructed with a tubular chassis and lightweight polyester shell, the vehicle represents a significant chapter in Mitsubishi’s motorsport legacy. It’s powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a 4-cylinder setup, coupled to a manual gearbox. This prototype retains its rugged, competition-focused layout, lacking comfort features but primed for rally-style adaptations. No registration documents are present. While it is not currently race-ready, the car has undergone basic mechanical recommissioning, including a brake and clutch overhaul. It offers a solid foundation for participation in events such as the Dakar Classic or similar historic rallies.
The car’s exterior has received a new coat of paint. However, given the previous rally use and age of the vehicle, the bodywork may still show some signs of wear beneath the surface. It may benefit from standard refinishing or minor panel attention depending on future usage plans. The interior is best described as spartan and functional—consistent with its original racing purpose. It shows heavy use, with expected wear such as tears, cuts or staining. The cockpit lacks comfort features entirely and is presented as a race-prepped shell.
It lacks an up-to-date technical inspection and still requires installation of proper safety equipment like harnesses to meet historic motorsport standards. As such, the buyer should expect to carry out work before the car can be entered into competition or display.
The Mitsubishi Pajero has become an icon in the world of off-road racing. Since its debut in the early 1980s, the Pajero established itself as a dominant force in rally raid competitions, especially the Dakar Rally. Mitsubishi’s involvement with the Dakar began with support from the Sonauto team—the French importer for the brand—and evolved into a factory-backed powerhouse. The Pajero holds the record for the most Dakar wins by a single model, thanks to its rugged construction, reliability and adaptability. This prototype reflects an early and critical stage in that legacy, where private and semi-factory teams experimented with lightweight bodies and custom chassis to compete in one of the toughest races on earth. These early cars laid the foundation for the highly successful T2 and T3 class Pajeros that would later claim victory across Africa and South America. The car offered here is not a mass-produced road-going SUV, but a low-volume prototype built with rallying in mind. These Sonauto-built vehicles are rare and were purpose-built for endurance racing, making this a compelling opportunity for collectors, enthusiasts of rally history, or anyone wishing to participate in historic off-road events with an authentic entry.
The car has several known imperfections. While the paint is new, it sits atop older fiberglass and paneling which may show surface irregularities. The interior is heavily worn and incomplete, as typical for old racing machines. Safety equipment like harnesses or a roll cage update is not currently installed and would be required for any competitive entry.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
3. Good: Repairs to the bodywork and paint may be needed, possibly requiring part replacements.
Condition of the Interior
2. Fair: Noticeable signs of heavy use; may have burn marks, cracks, or permanent stains.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
3. Good Condition: May need some mechanical and cosmetic repairs, but can drive.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes department, France.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a French registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
