This Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI red number 1 immortalizes one of the most iconic rally machines of the early 2000s. This 1/43 scale miniature faithfully reproduces the car that made history in the 2000 Monte Carlo Rally under the expert hands of Tommi Mäkinen and Risto Mannisenmäki.
A true collectible item, this replica captures the essence of high-level motorsport and reflects the golden age of global rallying, when Japanese manufacturers dominated the specials with their turbocharged sedans.
Miniature Features
- Model: Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI
- Brand: Mitsubishi
- Year: 2000
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Red with number 1
- Drivers: T. Mäkinen / R. Mannisenmäki
- Protective case included: Yes
Real Model Description
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI was born in 1999 as the culmination of the ongoing evolution of the EVO lineage. Developed specifically for rallying competition, this sixth generation benefited from all the technical advancements of the previous versions, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4G63T engine producing over 300 horsepower in the WRC version.
This rally version stood out with its sophisticated aerodynamics, widened wheel arches, and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system. Car number 1 from Monte Carlo 2000 sported the characteristic red livery of the official Mitsubishi Motors team, symbolizing performance and reliability on the winding roads of the Principality.
The immediate success of this EVO VI in competition confirmed Mitsubishi's technical supremacy on the world specials, thanks to its exceptional traction and steering precision that made it the ultimate rally weapon of the time.
The History of Mitsubishi Motors
In 2000, Mitsubishi Motors was at the height of its dominance in world rallying. The Japanese manufacturer, with consecutive victories in both the manufacturers' and drivers' championships, had made the Lancer Evolution its technological spearhead. This period marked the culmination of a sporting strategy initiated in the 1990s.
Founded in 1970 as the automotive subsidiary of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, the brand quickly established itself as a specialist in all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its expertise developed on pickups and SUVs naturally found its application in competition, giving rise to a lineage of formidable rally cars. The commitment to WRC allowed Mitsubishi to develop cutting-edge technologies that later appeared on road versions, creating a virtuous circle between technical innovation and commercial success.
The Epic of Tommi Mäkinen at Monte Carlo 2000
The Monte Carlo Rally 2000 will be remembered as one of the most spectacular events of that year's world championship edition. Tommi Mäkinen, the reigning four-time world champion, approached this event with the pressure of confirming his supremacy behind the wheel of his red Lancer EVO VI number 1.
The particularly difficult weather conditions of this edition, alternating between snow, ice, and dry asphalt, highlighted the Mitsubishi's entire technical superiority. The all-wheel-drive system and the refined setup of the EVO VI allowed the Finnish crew to maintain a sustained pace where other competitors struggled to keep their car on the road.
This race also marked the peak of the rivalry between the Japanese manufacturers Mitsubishi and Subaru, who engaged in a ruthless technical battle on the roads of the Principality. Each special stage was an opportunity to demonstrate the superiority of one or the other technical philosophies, in an electric atmosphere that captivated fans worldwide.
The image of this red Lancer EVO VI racing down the mountain hairpins has become iconic, symbolizing an era when Japanese technology revolutionized the art of rallying and where Nordic drivers excelled in the skill of mastering these high-tech machines.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI naturally finds its place alongside other legends of world rallying. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to rally cars, where it interacts with Subaru Impreza WRX, Ford Focus WRC, or Toyota Corolla WRC from the same era.
Passionate collectors of Mitsubishi miniatures will find an indispensable complement, while enthusiasts of 1/43 scale models will appreciate the precision of this piece. This model also harmonizes with other models from the 2000s, a prosperous period for sports cars.
Whether you are a rally enthusiast, a collector of Japanese miniatures, or a lover of 2000s automobiles, this EVO VI is an authentic testimony to a bygone era when Japanese engineering shone on the world’s toughest roads. It will also find its place in a thematic collection dedicated to race and competition cars, alongside other iconic models of global motorsport.
