There are some things you literally never expect to see on eBay and this is one of them. You are looking at a Japanese market 1991 Mitsubishi Delica 4×4 Star Wagon that has been imported into these United States and is now for sale at a specialty car dealer. Japan produces some really freaky, weird stuff for its domestic market and loads of it never sees the light of day in America because it is too small, too odd, or simply just not something anyone here would want.
In the case of the Star Wagon, we think that Mitsubishi may have missed an opportunity here. Why? You are looking at a short wheelbase, relatively solid ground clearance, four wheel drive van that seats seven people, has a turbocharged 2.5L diesel four banger mounted under the seats, and can go anywhere that a normal small four wheel drive truck could go.
We have no idea how many of these things have been imported into the USA but it is like the second one we have seen in years show up on eBay. The van is cleaner than clean so whoever brought it here stateside did not spend a lot of time in salty climates. The underside of the thing looks about brand new, the body does not seem to have a mark on it, and the interior looks great as well. Yeah, it is right hand drive which will make the neighbors stare for that much longer when you come clattering down your street with the little diesel pushing the van along.
Call us weird if you want but this thing looks like it would be so much fun to take wheeling with your Jeep pals. Hey, it is certainly different, right? Bangshifty cool.
eBay link: 1991 Mitsubishi Delica 4×4 Star Wagon for sale
Not just that but mid-engined, boxer… those things handle amazingly well. Too bad they only come in RHD.
Nope, it’s a 2.5 I4 turbo diesel. These don’t handle that well, unless picking up a rear tyre around corners is you bag, which really sucks as the factory LSD is rather limited in it’s action. We had an early model when I was a kid, learnt to drive in it, and worked on a couple when I worked for a Mitsubishi dealer in the late 1990s. I love them and have been looking for the right one for several years, I specifically want a series 1 L400 royal exceed.
These gems should have been sold worldwide!
A fantastic idea especially in camper form as you would be able to go almost anywhere and not break the bank in fuel costs.
Shame on you Mitsubishi!
I’ve never seen one in person but they’re neat for sure.
You might have trouble getting parts, especially in the hinterland.
Make mine a Chevy.