1977 | Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR

Only 13 pieces delivered in Europe, Andrew Cowan Safari Rally 1976 works replica, ready for Goodwood Festival of Speed or Eifel Rally.

All four registered Mitsubishi’s Lancer 1600 GSR reached the finish in 1976 of the toughest rally in the world championship: the Safari Rally held in Kenya. And not just finished; Joginder Singh and David Doig won this grueling rally, with the same Lancer’s in places two, three and six. A great success for the Japanese manufacturer, which proved that it could achieve great reliability and appealing results with relatively simple cars. The Safari Rally was the most important at the time, but also the toughest rally in the world championship, and many brands such as Porsche, Fiat, Lancia, Mercedes, etc., took part. The fact that the small Lancer 1600 GSR won this rally 3 years in a row is still something to take off your cap, or even more appropriately, your helmet.

For many years after that, Mitsubishi won everything there was to win in rallying, and it’s no surprise that the car that started its success is considered the icon. We are then talking about the Lancer 1600 GSR. A perhaps a bit ordinary looking car, but that is of course also the fun. The real enthusiasts and connoisseurs, however, know very well how this car has had an influence on rallying and know how to appreciate it.

This also ensured that the owner and experienced rally car preparer of this Lancer started a search for the same version which the Safari Rally was won at the time. You would say that almost impossible, because after research it turned out that only 13 pieces were imported into Europe at the time. The difference is in the 4G32 1597 cc OHC engine with double Mikuni 32 & 28 DID SA carburettor in combination with a 5-speed gearbox. As well as a rev counter, sports steering wheel, grilles on the hood and of course the GSR and 5 speed badges. Nevertheless, the fanatic search ended in 2015 successful, because in Belgium the right version was finally found. This GSR had only been on the road for a few years before it ended up in the showroom at a dealer.

After purchase, the Lancer was built over the years entirely according to the specifications of the time and as a replica of the Safari car of Andrew Cowan (founder of Ralliart Mitsubishi Motorsport). An exception to this is the roll cage, which is not a simple bolt-on cage, as it was then, but now it is completely welded in the car and has also been expanded with more reinforcement points. Everything according to the current safety requirements and the regulations of the historic rally sport, and provided with a valid Historic FIA certificate.

The fully overhauled engine delivers 105 hp, and has a C2 rally camshaft with CSI ignition in the original housing (adjustable ignition curve) and a performance exhaust manifold with stainless steel exhaust system.
The chassis is equipped with adjustable Koni rally shock absorbers (within the FIA ​​standard)
The brake system has been completely renewed and fitted with new lines and Stahlflex brake hoses.
The interior shows all rally equipment, including a mechanical Belgom Twinmaster, reading lamp, extinguisher and FIA 4-point belts.
The trunk houses an aluminum FIA Safari fuel tank with built-in catch tank and dual fuel pump with fuel gauge
On the outside you immediately notice the typical Safari parts, such as the step supports and handles at the rear, and the special jack supports. The large searchlight is also such a typical item. At the front, the reinforced aluminum sump quard is clearly visible, and even extends far beyond the gearbox.
The wheels are light-alloy Works in size 13 “. In total there are coming 10 wheels with the car, as well as a spare parts kit.

That this Mitsubishi is special was also noticed by the organization of the famous English Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/festival-of-speed/, because in 2019 their invitation was accepted to show and drive at this beautiful event, amidst all the great names and brands of rallying of today and in the past. A participation which will never be forgotten.

The new owner can also register for, for example, the Eifel Rallye Festival https://www.eifel-rallye-festival.de/en/home.html. From our own experience we can say that this is the event for classic rally cars.

So there are plenty of options to enjoy this special and ready-to-drive Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR Safari.