This 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero won the Production-Modified class in that year’s Paris-Dakar rally, representing the earliest phases of Mitsubishi’s rise to dominance in the grueling race. Said to have been restored by the original works Ralliart team, this truck is as close to original as possible. Find it here on eBay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France with no reserve beyond an unmet 55k GBP starting bid (~$81,600 USD today). Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.

Driven by Andrew Cowan (the founder of Ralliart Europe) in the 1984 Paris-Dakar, the truck looks remarkably standard underneath its distinct livery. Per the seller, the doors and hood are carbon fiber, and much of the glass appears to have been replaced with Lexan. Mitsubishi’s black, silver and red scheme looks good, and is nicely set off by Nikon’s bright yellow logos. The front bumper has been replaced by a substantial looking guard, and the model’s trademark rear-mounted spare is absent.

While a remarkably standard-looking dash and instrumentation have been retained, there are numerous notable additions and changes elsewhere. A rally computer and switches for fire suppression, fuel pumps and other features sit atop the dash, bare doors are made of carbon rather than steel and the standard seats have been replaced by fixed-back racing buckets.

The rear seat/rear cargo area has lost some daily-driver practicality in favor of a large fuel cell, storage for a pair of spare wheels and tires, and a bottle jack in place of the standard item. Compared to modern Dakar trucks, the fitted cage looks relatively insubstantial. Interior surfaces appear to be finished nicely, with lots of un-marred white paint throughout.

Cowan is an experienced rally driver who began his WRC career in the early 1970s. Perhaps as well known as the man himself is the Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR he dominated the Southern Cross rally with on numerous occasions. In this truck, he claimed third overall in the Paris-Dakar, beating his teammates in a similar Pajero by four hours and twenty five minutes.

Unfortunately, this truck’s engine is not photographed, though details of the undercarriage are shown–apart from some evidence of light use it appears quite fresh. Even the twinned rear shocks appear new, with no visible oil or wear on their bright orange finish. Per the seller, the truck is sold with a certificate from Ralliart director Dominique Seyries as well as fellow works driver Hubert Rigal.

While Mitsubishi’s dominance of the Paris-Dakar was still more than a decade off, this truck represents one of their earliest successes in the historic race. For a relatively standard vehicle like this to finish third is a remarkable achievement, and that it managed this feat while finishing ahead of Jacky Ickx is even more astonishing.