JDM Classic Diesel: 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero XR-1

The first-generation Mitsubishi Pajero established the brand as a serious global off-road force, culminating in a dominant 1-2-3 overall finish at the 1992 Paris Dakar Rally and laying the foundation for what would become the most successful platform in the event’s history. These early Pajeros combined robust ladder-frame construction, Super Select four-wheel drive, and turbo diesel powertrains that earned them a reputation in places where such vehicles were allowed to be sold. Today’s featured XR-1 example is equipped with some period-correct rally fog lights and right-hand drive. It’ll do everything well, except work in a drive-thru lane. Find this 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero offered for $17250 in Raleigh, NC via craigslist.

From the seller:

1992 Mitsubishi Pajero
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: 4wd
fuel: diesel
odometer: 48,000
paint color: white
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: SUV
1992 was the year that the Mitsubishi Pajero won the Paris Dakar Rally outright with an unprecedented 1-2-3 finish.
It is the most successful off road racing truck in the history of the Dakar.
I purchased my Pajero XR-1 from Japanese Classics in Richmond, Virginia in March 2020, and it’s easily one of the nicest ones in the country.

Fitted as follows:

4D56 2.5 intercooled turbo diesel mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a verified 48K miles / 77K km on the truck.
Advanced 4X4 system with 2H-4H-4H LC- 4L LC and locking center differential
Summit White (W09) paint is in excellent overall condition showing only minor imperfections
Hamilton Silver (A71) lower cladding was treated to a re-spray at some point and is overall quite presentable.
Gauge pod including an altimeter, inclinometer, and compass/thermometer
Factory sunroof with vinyl OEM storage sleeve
Electronically adjustable shocks
Factory dual battery setup
Uprated aluminum radiator
4-wheel disc brakes with newer brake pads and excellent stopping power
Momo Monte Carlo leather wrapped steering wheel
Momo leather wrapped shift knobs
Leather wrapped center console storage lid
Digital climate control
Driver’s suspension seat with memory
Rare Ralliart optional gauge pod including a voltmeter, oil pressure gauge, and turbo boost gauge
Power windows, power steering, power mirrors and power door lock with central locking feature
Original Koito headlights with washers
Cibie Super Oscar driving lamps (Belgium) with concave lenses and pilot marker lights
Full size factory spare wheel/tire with aftermarket cover
Tow hitch receiver with 4 pin wiring
Original tool kit in excellent un-used condition
Magnetic work light
Beautiful upholstery throughout with no signs of smoking or stains
Clean carpeting throughout
McNeil fitted rubber floor mats
Period correct HKS turbo timer
Glow plug relay manual override (backup)
Period correct ETC toll road collector/card reader
LED JDM road flare
Fire extinguisher with NOS decal
Falken Rubitrek A/T 265/70-16 tires with 11K miles
(2) Keys and the original Japanese owner’s manual
Timing belt, ancillary belts, (2) batteries, water pump, thermostat, fuel/oil filter and all fluids changed prior to my purchase from Japanese Classics in March 2022
New clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder from Australia.
New Tema-4×4 50mm Suspension Spacer Lift Kit – uninstalled
New OEM spare tire lock w/ 2 keys

Note: The compass/thermometer gauge works sporadically, the folding feature on the mirrors and factory radio are non-operational (I have not investigated as to why) and the Ralliart oil pressure gauge is not connected because it is from a Pajero Fieldmaster (I believe) and my Pajero has no tap for the sensor.
I also capped the heater hoses leading to the rear under-seat heater because it had developed a small leak within the unit.
The AC is cool but by no means cold, and the blower motor makes a humming sound when put on the high setting.

The Pajero has been garage kept since purchased in 2022 and it has not been driven in the rain or snow.
Battery Tender always in use when parked.
Always warmed up to operating temperature before each outing and turbo timer utilized for post-drive cool down.

An absolute pleasure to own and to drive.
$17250 OBO

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