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The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution first appeared in the early 90s to pave the way for Mitsubishi’s entry into the World Rally Championship’s Group A class and the SCCA Pro rally Championship. Only the Japanese were lucky enough to witness the first ever Evo’s which were based on the Mitsubishi’s family Lancer saloon.

The car soon developed a cult following and started to enter the european market as a sought after grey-market import. The keen interest soon triggered official imports to the UK in 1998.

The very first model had a 5 speed gearbox and a powerful 2.0 litre engine, brought together with a four wheel drive system, this car could bump out 244bhp which was pretty meaty stuff for a saloon. This was the president which was set for future standards for the Evo, and Mitsubishi didn’t come off the gas at any point giving us many different and powerful versions of a classic motor car.

The Lancer Saloon and the Evolution were developed alongside each other and although the Evo’s weight increased, the excellent handling and power took up the slack with ease and the car soon became a wish list favorite. The Mitsubishi Evo really did evolve into a necessary purchase for any self respecting petrol head, and although the car wasn’t that tasty to look at, it certainly had the fire power.

The Evolution IX was introduced in 2006 and was the final box edged Evo to grace us before a replacement model was drafted in. This model was a very different beast to the original and sported a lightweight aluminum roof and larger carbon fibre rear wing for better weight ratio and snake control. The engine was still a 2.0 litre turbo with variable valve control, and really kicked in with 345 bhp controlled by a 6 speed sports box.

This car could shake out top speeds close to 148mph and power from 0-60 in just over 4.2 seconds, which is pushes you firmly into the back of your seat and dries out the inside of your mouth pretty fast, so yes, the Evolution was quick but it was popular for more than just sheer power. The Evo was was very smooth to handle so rally drivers loved it dearly, put bluntly, the Evo was probably one of the best handling sports saloons ever made.

There weren’t many contenders that could beat an Evo from one point to another on snaking roads and tracks, much thanks to the low centre of gravity and four wheel drive. Super active Yaw control and Bilstien dampers gave the car handling to die for, so if you manage to grab one, take heed. These cars can shift.

A strong indication of what the all new Evolution X may look like was unveiled when they showed the Concept X showcar in 2005. Gone were the square lines replaced by cool modern styling and a smoother more aerodynamic bodystyle. Although the car’s looks have been updated this car is still in tradition with the Evolution of old, she just had a nip and tuck to remain pretty.