Mitsubishi Colt Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Mitsubishi Colt

The Mitsubishi Colt debuted in 1962, signalling a major advance in Mitsubishi’s automotive portfolio. The lineage began with the Colt 600, successor to the Mitsubishi 500, noted for its modernised look and rear-mounted, twin-cylinder engine. Mitsubishi continued to innovate, introducing the Colt 800 in 1965—the first Japanese production fastback, initially powered by an 843 cc two-stroke engine before a 1968 switch to a more potent four-cylinder unit.

Over time, the Colt line branched out, gaining new body styles, technical refinements and stronger engines. Notable milestones include the 70 PS Colt 1400 and the expansion of the range with models like the Colt 1000F, Colt 1100F, Colt 1200 and Colt 1500. Spanning from rear-engined origins to later front-wheel-drive designs, the Colt established Mitsubishi as a player in the global subcompact segment.

Model history

The Colt story began with the Colt 600 in 1962, evolving through the Colt 800 and its siblings (1000F, 1100F, 1200, 1500), representing the brand’s continual focus on technical development. The Mitsubishi Colt A150 (1978-1984) stands as the most successful series, thanks in part to its advanced four-speed gearbox with economy and sport settings. Subsequent generations included the C10 with diesel engine options, and the high-powered C50, reaching up to 136 PS. The CJ0 marked the final run until 2003, after which the Z30 signaled the sixth and last generation.

Highlights of the Mitsubishi Colt

The Mitsubishi Colt distinguished itself early on with technical firsts—the Colt 800 introduced Japan's first production fastback, while the Colt A150 became renowned for its variable-ratio transmission that allowed drivers to optimise either fuel efficiency or acceleration. Later models catered to diverse tastes with introductions like diesel engines and sportier trims such as the 1400 GLX with 70 PS. The wide palette of configurations means the Colt can appeal to drivers seeking either sporting character or pragmatic everyday usability.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Colt 800 GLX, with a sportier specification, and later exclusive releases—like the A150 1.4-litre Sport delivering 105 PS—stand out among collectors seeking unique technical and aesthetic features uncommon in contemporary subcompacts. These editions, with upgraded interiors and sometimes limited production numbers, are favoured for their driving dynamics and rarity.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Period Colts, especially early models, may present issues tied to age and component wear: check for rust in body panels and sills, transmission wear (especially in high-mileage ‘4×2’ gearboxes), and cooling system fatigue. Many mechanical parts remain available, but original interior trim and fastback-specific elements on early Colt 800s can be difficult to source.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

From the minimalistic but lively twin-cylinder of the Colt 600 to the responsive four-cylinder units in the 800 and beyond, the Colt drives in line with its era’s best engineered subcompacts. Most sought-after is the A150, especially in its 1.4-litre Sport guise (105 PS), balancing nimble handling with strong straight-line performance. Diesel-engined Colt C10s offered robust economy for period buyers, while the C50 pushed the technical envelope with a 136 PS peak output.

The Colt 1400 GLX, featuring a 70 PS engine, is particularly praised for its combination of performance and rarity. The CJ0 and Z30 generations, with incremental refinements, offer more modern dynamics while maintaining the series’ compact agility. - Mitsubishi Colt A150: four-speed economy/sport gearbox, 1.4-litre Sport, up to 105 PS.

• Mitsubishi Colt 800 GLX: 843/1100 cc engines, fastback shape, agile road behaviour.
• Mitsubishi Colt C50: up to 136 PS, five-speed box, more aggressive styling.
• Mitsubishi Colt CJ0: 82 PS final version, ongoing updates until 2003.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Colt’s design ethos reflected both Japanese and global influences, particularly in the streamlined Colt 800—the first mass-market Japanese fastback, setting it apart visually from other cars of its time. Inside, higher trim levels like the GLX featured more extensive instrumentation and upgraded trims. Specials like the A150 Sport included exclusive wheels and unique interior fabrics. Later generations provided practical layouts, with fold-down rear seats increasing versatility, while retaining a focus on functional but distinctive Japanese stylistic cues.

Other features

In European markets, the Colt was also sold as the Dodge and Plymouth Colt via Chrysler’s captive import arrangement, offering a slightly different specification but the same technical base. Few subcompacts of the classic era matched the Colt’s range of transmissions and adaptive gearboxes, such as the four-speed with economy/sport preset ratios.

Summary

The Mitsubishi Colt offers fifty years of diversity in concept, engineering, and styling. Standout models like the Colt 800 and A150 pack technical innovations and visually distinct bodies, while the extensive availability of parts for many versions supplements collector appeal. Above all, the Colt appeals to drivers who value Japanese engineering progress and period-specific, technically advanced drives in classic car form.