INNO64 1/64 MITSUBISHI PAJERO EVOLUTION #205 "PIAA" PARIS-DAKAR 1998

Hello, this is Okada.
Starting from this post, I will be introducing three die-cast cars of models I have a strong attachment to.

As a Mitsubishi fan who drives a Lancer Evolution, I have also always admired the other "Evolution."
This is a 1/64 scale model car of the Pajero Evolution, the eccentric RV born from the Paris-Dakar Rally.

■INNO64 1/64 MITSUBISHI PAJERO EVOLUTION #205 "PIAA" PARIS-DAKAR 1998

Vehicle entered in the 20th Paris-Granada-Dakar Rally in 1998
Driver: Bruno Saby / Co-driver: Dominique Serieys
Overall ranking: 3rd place

One of the works Pajeros that competed for the Mitsubishi Ralliart team in 1998.
This is the #205 Saby car in PIAA colors, released by INNO64 around 2020.

It is a well-known story that the Lancer Evolution was a rally car developed for the WRC by transplanting the package from the Galant, but this Pajero Evolution is alsoa so-called homologation model developed for competition.

Until 1996, the "Paris-Dakar" allowed manufacturer works entries in the T3 class (prototype vehicles). While they retained the appearance of production cars, they were actually different Pajeros inside, featuring pipe frames and the Lancer Evolution's 4G63 engine. However, from 1997, this was banned, and manufacturer works entries were only permitted in theT2 class, which required a "production car base" and a "naturally aspirated engine."

That is why Mitsubishi brought out this "Pajero Evolution" as the Pajero to win the Paris-Dakar competition.

The 280ps MIVEC engine, the widely flared blister fenders, and the cat-ear-like rear spoiler catch your eye first, butwhat is truly amazing about this car is the rear suspension.

Under the Paris-Dakar T2 class regulations, the suspension type could not be changed from the production state, andthe 1997 Pajero T2 (based on the non-Evo short wheelbase) used the same rigid suspension as the production car.
Rigid suspension has limited stroke and poor road-following ability, making it unsuitable for off-road competitions like the Paris-Dakar. Therefore, for the Pajero Evolution,
they newly designed the rear suspension exclusively for this model, switching to a multi-link double wishbone setup, making it the first Pajero with four-wheel independent suspension.

The name given to that new suspension is"ARMIE"
which stands for All Road Multi-link Independent suspension for Evolution.

Hey, hey, hey, Mitsubishi, how much more do you want to tickle a boy's heart?
Mitsubishi from this era is just irresistible.

This INNO64 model car can be called the definitive 1/64 scale model of such an eccentric Paris-Dakar special Pajero. While there aren't many models of this era's Paris-Dakar Pajero, this is
a highly perfected piecewith its highly accurate sculpting, color reproduction via detailed decals, and equipment like mud flaps and tow hooks.

Die-cast cars with high ride heights can look awkward if the tires are pointing in weird directions, but this model car is quite sharp and well-executed.

Bruno Saby, who drove the #205 "PIAA Mitsubishi Ralliart" car, is a veteran rallyist who experienced an overall victory in the Paris-Dakar with the Mitsubishi team in 1993.
In the 1998 event, he led the race in the first half by setting top times in the SS, but after being overtaken by his teammate Fontenay due to transmission trouble, and then by Shinozuka after getting stuck in the desert in the final stages, hefinished in 3rd place overall.

That said, it wascar #205 , which played a part in Mitsubishi's 1-2-3-4 overall finish in the 1998 Paris-Dakar.With the impression of the PIAA colors, which have a slightly different pattern from the others, it was a car I couldn't leave out.

Other articles may be interspersed, but please be prepared for a Pajero Evolution festival in my die-cast car posts for a while.🙇

That's all for this time!

About the APEX RACING LIVERY Official Goods Shop

I have opened a merchandise shop on "SUZURI"!

I am offering merchandise featuring the "APEX RACING LIVERY" logo, which I use as my business name when creating livery designs (color schemes).

For every item sold, 300 yen (equivalent to one beer) goes to Okada, so if you are a unique person who wants to treat me to a beer as a form of support, please take a look at the shop!

Okada