Lancer Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition sells for almost $300,000

An immaculate example of one of the most sought-after Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions in the model's history has sold in the United Kingdom for almost AU$300,000 – setting a new Evo sale record.

The car in question is an Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition, launched in 2000 to celebrate the Finnish driver's four consecutive World Rally Championships with Mitsubishi. Based on the regular Evo VI, it comes with extra features, including; a less-restrictive exhaust, revised baffled fuel tank, lowered ride height, quicker steering rack, new turbo and Enkei wheels.

Widely regarded as the hero model for the Lancer Evo series, this example features a numbered plaque with #001 inside the cabin – reflecting its rarity as the first of just 50 passion red cars officially sold by Mitsubishi UK, and one of only 212 TMEs in red with the Special Colour Package decals.

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While an ex–Mitsubishi UK Evo VI TME press car (#006) sold for £100,100 (AU$189,200) earlier this year, the #001 car ended up going for £146,250 (AU$276,450) through Silverstone Auctions. This was thanks, in part, to its totally standard spec – aside from an aftermarket stainless steel exhaust – and having just 11,000 miles (17,700km) on the odometer.

Reflecting a life of care and love by its owners, the TME in question also comes with a full service history – plus the original under-seal which was applied by Mitsubishi UK to its locally delivered cars, protecting it from rust over the past 21 years.

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Originally selling for AU$79,990, the first examples of the 98 TMEs sold in Australia arrived midway through 2001, each adhering to the Japanese automotive industry's 'gentleman's agreement' that no performance car leaving a factory should be capable of more than 276hp – although some cars were reported to have closer to 300hp.

Mitsubishi officially farewelled the Evolution nameplate in 2016 with the Evo X Final Edition, sending off its high performance Lancer variant after almost 25 years since the first Evolution launched in 1992.

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