The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was launched by Ralliart, Mitsubishi's rally car division, for the 1993 season and literally evolved over the years into one of the most successful rally cars of its era.

By January 1999, the Lancer legend was already well established; the outgoing Evo V had proved its might, providing immense attitude, performance and tuning potential.

The Evo VI used the same four-door bodyshell, four-wheel drive chassis and fantastic turbocharged powerplant packing a 276bhp punch.

But now the Evolution was, at last, officially available in the UK, priced £25,940 through Ralliart dealers in GSR trim.

It offered supercar-slaying statistics of 155mph top speed and sub-five second 0-60mph sprint.

At its heart was the familiar 4G63 engine, now improved for durability and including new pistons with oil cooling channels, bigger oil cooler and intercooler.

Likewise, the Lancer’s basic underpinnings remained, with trick AYC (Active Yaw Control), 320mm Brembo four-pot fro...