Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution V55W
Import a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution (V55W) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1997–1999
- Engine
- 6G74 3.5 L V6, four-wheel drive
About the V55W
The Pajero Evolution is Mitsubishi’s homologation special for the Dakar Rally, with wide fenders and independent rear suspension. It is a rally-bred SUV rather than a sports car, but its competition background keeps it on enthusiast lists.
Production dates and specifications were not verified in our research, so we confirm the build date and specification from the export certificate before quoting. Every Pajero Evolution is old enough to import into both Canada and the US.
Mitsubishi built the Pajero Evolution to homologate its Dakar Rally car in the T2 class, with double-wishbone front and multi-link independent rear suspension unique to this model. It was sold in Japan from October 1997 to January 1999 at ¥3.74 million. Fontenay and Picard won the 1998 Dakar on its debut, and Mitsubishi’s Pajero rally cars won seven more Dakars between 2001 and 2007.
- Power
- 280 PS at 6,500 rpm
- Torque
- 35.5 kgm (348 Nm) at 3,000 rpm
- Weight
- 1,970 kg
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual
- Drive
- Full-time four-wheel drive
- Engine
- 6G74 3.5 L V6 MIVEC
- Built
- about 2,500–2,700
Can a V55W come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on a V55W
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Engine
Worth checking the V6 for oil consumption.
Rust
Worth checking the rear wheel arches.
Body panels
The wide body panels are unique and hard to source. Check for damage carefully.
Four-wheel drive
Test every four-wheel-drive mode and check the transfer case for leaks.
What we check on every V55W
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What a V55W costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pajero Evolution, Gulliver used-car price range Gulliver (221616.com), Oct 2026 | ¥0.69–4.91 million | Gulliver (221616.com) , Oct 2026 |
| 1997 Pajero Evolution, 100,000 km, Gulliver trade-in appraisal (one car) Gulliver (221616.com), Oct 2026 | ¥2.833 million | Gulliver (221616.com) , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
V55W buyer questions
Can I import a Pajero Evolution?
Yes. It was sold from October 1997 to January 1999, so every car is more than 25 years old and eligible in both the US and Canada. Confirm the build month and the V55W chassis code before buying.
How many were built?
Sources differ. English Wikipedia gives both about 2,500 and about 2,693 road cars, built from 1997 to 1999 to meet the homologation minimum. Either way it is far rarer than an ordinary Pajero.
What will be hard to fix?
The wide body panels and the unique independent rear suspension parts are specific to this model and hard to find. Check every panel for damage, test all four-wheel-drive modes and inspect the 3.5 L MIVEC V6 for oil use.
Want a V55W?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.