1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL

Description

In the 1990s, Japan's biggest car markets battled it out for technological superiority, and few will argue that the 1991 Z16A Mitsubishi 3000GT SL wasn't one of the most advanced machines of its time. With a feisty 3.0L V6 motor, a 5-speed manual, an electronically controlled suspension, and just about every piece of optional wizardry available at the time, it was a technological tour-de-force. It also worked pretty well as a sports car, with eyeball-flattening acceleration and cornering abilities that rivaled flypaper for grip.

Today, finding one of these that is still fully functional, let alone unmodified, nicely maintained, and with so few miles (64,665 actual miles to be exact) is virtually impossible. This 4-owner (with the original owner in possession until 2018) 1991 3000GT SL model breaks the mold, offering a low-mileage original car that has not been raced or abused by some kid on the second-hand market. It's also a really nice car to drive, with a great ride/handling balance and fairly reasonable fuel economy. Of course, the Monza Red paint doesn't exactly keep a low profile, but then again, with these kinds of credentials do you really want to? The paint remains in really great condition for its age, with only a few normal signs of use and very light aging, and there's no question this car was someone's cherished toy and not a street brawler. As far as we can tell, the finish is mostly original, although the rear bumper and black accent trim was likely touched-up at some point, but nevertheless the top driver-quality appearance still looks great in person. In 1991, Mitsubishi kept the look fairly aggressive for this Z16A, with multiple air vents in the front valance, a sculpted aerodynamic hood, side scoops, and a big rear spoiler. The pop-up headlights were inspired by Samurai war helmets, and the twin exhaust and rear diffuser out back is an absolute stunner of a design – you almost want one of these beauties to pass you so you can just enjoy the show.

Inside, the Mitsu's black-and-gray cloth interior is more cockpit than sports car, with deeply sculpted power buckets that do all but grab and hold you in place during cornering. A full complement of analog gauges and modern electronics keep an eye on vitals, because the engineers finally realized that needles and numbers work better than digital bar graphs. This car represents the best-of-the-best in performance and looks, but you'll find the cockpit-inspired interior is what really helps set this sportscar off and completes the package. A Sony multi-media screen was installed in the center stack (the original radio is also included with the sale) to kick the stereo up a bit, and with options like power windows/locks/mirrors/antenna, cruise control, a center console, a tilt leather steering wheel with a driver's air bag inside, and cold A/C, this red-hot modern classic has everything you could possibly need in a sports car. Out back, the rear seat looks barely used and easily folds down into a sizeable area under the hatch.

The 3000GT's big claim to fame was always its incredibly agile 3.0L 24-valve DOHC V6, which cranked out a very impressive 222 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque in 1991. Despite a host of silly aftermarket performance parts and bolt-on monstrosities available for this car, the engine bay remains 100% stock, with signs of regular maintenance and care throughout. Linked to a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, it can scratch and claw its way to top speeds regardless of the weather and hold on like a cat on shag carpet. Again, the engine bay is very clean and shows zero modifications, not even an incorrect air filter, and there's nothing that would indicate racing or abuse, and certainly nothing that over-stressed this bulletproof powertrain. Power 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS are confidence-inspiring, power rack-and-pinion steering and a sophisticated electronically controlled suspension make this Z16A handle like a dream, and 16-inch alloys wrapped in sporty Falken rubber finish the look.

Offered with its original window sticker and owner's manuals this slick Japanese import is turn-key ready, and if you're mindful of its pedigree, will continue to rise in value while you drive it. These are the 'Next Big Thing', and this one's a keeper. Call today!