eBay

A rare opportunity to acquire what is becoming an increasingly difficult car to find.

This superb 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII forms part of a large private vehicle collection that I was entrusted to sell on behalf of a family following the passing of the owner.

Over the past few months I have sold a number of motorcycles from this collection, many of which have now found homes with enthusiasts and collectors throughout the UK. However, there were a small number of motorcycles, together with this very special Mitsubishi Evolution, that I simply couldn't bring myself to sell. These were the stand out pieces from the collection and the vehicles I personally chose to keep for my own private collection.

Unfortunately, circumstances have since changed and I have reluctantly made the difficult decision to part with the vehicles that I had intended to keep. This isn't simply another Evo being advertised. It is one I genuinely wanted to own myself.

The gentleman who owned this collection clearly loved performance vehicles. Following previous motorcycle accidents and declining health, riding motorcycles became increasingly difficult for him. However, he was still able to drive, and this automatic Evolution became his pride and joy. It allowed him to continue enjoying performance motoring long after he had stopped riding.

This is a genuine automatic Mitsubishi Evolution VII, first registered in 2003.

The car has covered just 58,002 miles from new and has had only 3 former keepers, which is exceptional for a performance car of this age.

It comes complete with:

• V5 registration document

• 2 keys

• Original Mitsubishi service book

• Fully stamped service history

• Previous MOT certificates

The service history is excellent.

The service book is stamped throughout its life, with the final service carried out by Mitsubishi Art on 2 October 2018 at 56,531 miles.

Importantly, the timing belt was replaced in 2015 at 49,768 miles.

Since its last service in 2018, the car has covered only 1,471 miles.

Looking through the MOT history tells the story of this car perfectly. Year after year it covered tiny mileages, often less than 100 miles between MOTs. It was essentially being taken for its annual MOT, enjoyed occasionally and then returned to storage.

The current MOT expires on 15 October 2026, meaning the vehicle can be driven away.

The engine starts immediately, sounds excellent and the car drives beautifully. The automatic gearbox changes exactly as it should.

Personally, if I were keeping the car, I would book it in for a fresh service and replace the belts simply for my own peace of mind. Not because there is a known issue, but because it has spent several years covering very little mileage and that's exactly what I would do with any performance car I intended to keep long term.

Overall, the condition is extremely impressive for a 23 year old Evolution.

Naturally, there are a few age related marks around the bodywork, exactly as you would expect on an original car of this age.

The interior is also in very good condition. The only notable wear is to the driver's seat bolster, which is beginning to show some wear, again entirely typical for a vehicle of this age.

I also lifted the boot carpet to inspect underneath and was pleased to find the boot floor to be clean and solid.

The vehicle is fitted with an immobiliser.

It appears to be fitted with upgraded brake discs and calipers, although I cannot confirm whether these are factory items or aftermarket upgrades. Enthusiasts will no doubt know more than I do.

One thing I have deliberately not done is valet or detail the vehicle. I wanted to present it exactly as it came from the collection. The dust visible in the photographs is genuine and reflects how the car has been stored over the years.

Once the car has had a proper valet, machine polish and detail, I genuinely believe it will look stunning. I felt it was important to leave it exactly as found rather than cosmetically preparing it for sale, allowing the next owner to see its true, honest condition.

Personally, this is the car I was probably looking forward to keeping the most. It is an incredibly honest, well documented Evolution with sensible mileage, excellent history and the sort of provenance that is becoming harder to find every year.

Viewings and inspections are welcomed and encouraged.

Any inspection is welcome before purchase.

Delivery can be arranged anywhere within mainland UK and Ireland.

This is a genuine and honest sale.

Sold as seen.

No warranty given or implied.

Cash or bank transfer on collection.

Please also keep an eye on my other listings, as over the coming weeks I will be offering several more exceptional motorcycles and vehicles from the same private collection, including the very machines and cars that I had originally intended to keep for myself.