1983 MITSUBISHI STARION JA

Potentially the best example of the Mitsubishi Starion Turbo in Australia. This is a first of series Australian delivered car. In the hero brochure colour of MILANO GOLD, this stunning Starion Turbo runs the 2.0-litre single-overhead cam fuel injected and oil-cooled Turbo charged engine making it the fastest 2 litre sports car at the time. A superb example with a genuine log booked 105, 921 Kilometres on the clock and now for sale from Rouse Hill, Sydney.

Originally sold by Roy Grace Mitsubishi in Nambour, Queensland in November, 1984, then subsequently to two enthusiast owners. Serviced in August 2024 and presented in absolutely pristine original condition throughout with virtually unblemished original Milano Gold paint and immaculate original biscuit leather trim, this Starion Turbo comes with the original log books, owner's manuals, the original sales brochure and numerous magazine articles on the Starion Turbo collected through the original ownership..

Up against the bigger sixes of its Nissan 280ZX and Alfa GTV rivals and the thirsty Rotary Mazda RX-7, the Starion challenged our pre-occupation with cubic inches and multiple cylinders. It was as quick as anything with an engine one third bigger with economy only slightly worse than a normal 2-litre.

The Starion was well-suited to rally-type conditions with sophisticated suspension and outstanding balance. In addition to huge success on rally circuits in Japan, Europe, Asia and the USA including a 1st in class at the 1983 Paris-Dakar Rally, the Starion won many races in Australia including a 1st and 2nd outright in the 1984 Australian Super Series in the hands of Peter Fitzgerald and Brad Jones, and a 9th outright and 2nd in class at the 1985 James Hardie 1000 driven by Kevin Bartlett and Peter McKay.

In addition to its well-sorted rally proven engine, its sophisticated independent rear suspension featured struts and A-arms, similar to those found under a Lotus rear end. Its four wheel ventilated disc brakes and impressive drag factor of 0.35 further contributed to the car's excellent performance and handling. And with 125kW/245Nm of power on tap, it was more powerful than the RX-7 (84kW/152Nm) and Porsche 944 (120kW/205Nm).

The Starion's wedge design was highlighted with a centre bonnet scoop, side bonnet vents, front air dam, a soft-feel black rear spoiler, Turbo decals behind the doors and RHS liftback and eight spoke 14 inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the Starion's stunning body hugging leather seats and flush one-piece doors with their unusual forward and out dual-pivot hinging, and seat belts integrated into each door, were standout additions in the sports car category. And with working Air-conditioning makes this a very comfortable ride.

And while slightly more expensive than the RX-7, the Starion at $19,950 was a fraction of the Porsche 944's $31,694. Plus, all Starions featured a manual 5 speed gearbox and standard power steering, a big advantage for the dual purpose everyday role required in this class.

Where the Starion did really well was against the stop watch and as a relaxed long distance tourer. Although the RX-7 would beat it to 50km/h, the Starion would then leave it behind as the turbo kicked in and allowed it to narrow the gap on the 944. Its 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds versus 9.8 for the RX-7 and 8.1 for the 944.

Certainly one of the best preserved Australian delivered Mitsubishi Starion Turbos this is a Turbo enthusiasts dream come true. A real museum quality example of an early turbo Mitsubishi.

Located in Rouse Hill, Sydney for your inspection by appointment. (Ref. 6482)

We are happy to arrange a video inspection of the car using WhatsApp. Please call for more details and note Enclosed Door to Door transport is available anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

View on the Australian Muscle Car Sales website