{"id":4373,"date":"2025-04-13T14:35:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T14:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/?p=4373"},"modified":"2025-04-15T11:54:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T11:54:19","slug":"classic-drive-why-mitsubishis-1977-lancer-deserves-more-attention-than-you-think","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/2025\/04\/13\/classic-drive-why-mitsubishis-1977-lancer-deserves-more-attention-than-you-think\/","title":{"rendered":"Classic Drive: Why Mitsubishi\u2019s 1977 Lancer Deserves More Attention Than You Think"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/div>\n

Not every car gets to be remembered as being special. To be honest, the way automotive legends are born is a mysterious one. Some super-hyped models manage to live up to their initially enthusiastic reception, while many others simply fade in time. But there\u2019s another category that exists: cars that somehow missed the \u201clegendary\u201d status but are perhaps more thoroughly deserving of it. One of those is the first-generation Mitsubishi Lancer.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {
\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(“0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8”);
\n\t\t\t\t\t} else {
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(“82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f”);
\n\t\t\t\t\t}
\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n

JDM Drive: The Honda Accord Euro R Is The Best Sedan You\u2019ve Never Heard Of<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Now, depending on where you\u2019re reading this, you might know it by another name\u2014Dodge Colt, Chrysler<\/a> Colt, or maybe even a Plymouth<\/a>\u2014but what we\u2019re talking about here is the original article: a Mitsubishi-badged Lancer from back when the Japanese brand was still finding its global footing. And despite its unassuming spec sheet and sleeper looks, the first-gen Lancer has more substance than most give it credit for.<\/p>\n

QUICK FACTS<\/h5>\n
\n
\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u203a Model:<\/td>\n1977 Mitsubishi Lancer SL <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Production Years<\/td>\n1973\u20131979<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Dimensions:<\/td>\n3,995 mm (157.3. ) L <\/p>\n

1,575 mm (60.4 in. ) W <\/p>\n

1,375 mm (54.1 in. ) H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u203a Curb Weight:<\/td>\n900 kg (3,351 lb)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Layout<\/td>\nFront engine, rear-wheel drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Engine:<\/td>\n1,439 cc single overhead cam, inline four-cylinder engine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Output:<\/td>\n67 hp (50 kW \/ 68 PS) at 5,000 rpm with 104 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Gearbox:<\/td>\nFive-speed manual<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Test Car Modifications<\/td>\nAftermarket air conditioning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n
\n
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n

SWIPE<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Wait, Isn\u2019t That The Totally Dull Dodge Colt?<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re reading this in the US, then you\u2019ll likely recognize this as the third-gen Dodge Colt sedan \u2013 \u00a0a rebadge of the Lancer<\/a> that was an early fruit of the long collaboration between Chrysler and MMC. And, if you\u2019re old enough to remember the Dodge Colt, we won\u2019t blame you for writing them off as a dull econo-box\u00a0far removed from the kind of legend-in-the-wings picture I\u2019m trying to paint here.<\/p>\n

The thing is, by the time the third-gen Colt was introduced in the US, the Lancer had already been in production for at least five years. As such, it was seen as an old-school solution to a present-day problem.<\/p>\n

With the US still reeling from the fuel crisis, many automakers had gotten used to offering small-capacity front-wheel drive cars to consumers keen to eke out the miles. Late to the party, the rear-wheel drive Dodge Colt was marketed as the \u201cMileage Maker\u201d and was positioned as a bargain-basement solution.<\/p>\n

It was confusingly smaller than the Galant-based<\/a> car it replaced and lacked any frills. The marketing aimed the new Colt squarely as being a better alternative to Toyota and Datsun\u2019s economy offerings \u2013\u00a0not because it was significantly better, but rather because it had a Dodge badge on the hood.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {
\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(“bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c”);
\n\t\t\t\t\t} else {
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(“9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751”);
\n\t\t\t\t\t}
\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n

The Colt, however, was decidedly old-school. Its rear-wheel drive layout was borderline old tech, and a leaf-sprung rear suspension didn\u2019t quite read well on paper. To US consumers, the Lancer-based Colt was the epitome of an econo-box.<\/p>\n

Despite all that, reviewers praised its impressive driving dynamics. However, cars like Dodge\u2019s own Omni, which was introduced a year later in 1978, offered a more modern and European<\/a>-like take on the matter.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s a lot more to the Lancer\u2019s history, and while it may have been considered a penalty-box-on-wheels in the States, the first-gen Lancer was crucial to Mitsubishi\u2019s storied success in rallying.<\/p>\n

One Man\u2019s Economy Car Is Another\u2019s Rally Star <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
\n \t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {
\n \t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
\n \t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(“b25ecba7-3bbb-4ea7-a3a8-dbea91695c07”);
\n \t\t} else {
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(“e46c436a-adeb-4b5e-a2c7-56bc36561c10”);
\n\t\t\t\t\t}
\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n

<\/a> <\/p>\n

In Japan, the A70-generation Mitsubishi Lancer was significantly more appreciated. It was launched in 1973, half a decade before it was sent to the States as a Dodge, and offered a wide range of four-cylinder engines, ranging from a 1.1-liter for the base model to a race-developed 1.6-liter lump. There was a wide range of body styles too; in addition to the four-door sedan, there was also a two-door coupe and a five-door wagon.<\/p>\n

Trim options were decidedly more plush. Our featured car is an SL trim model from 1977, featuring velour seats, chrome trim, an all-synchromesh five-speed gearbox, a deep-dish steering wheel, and a tachometer. But what really marked this generation out was when Mitsubishi decided to take rallying seriously. Decades before \u201cEvolution\u201d became a byword for Japanese WRC supremacy, the company decided to create its own special edition to tackle the infamous Safari Rally.<\/p>\n

The Safari Rally held in East Africa was once the ultimate litmus test of a car\u2019s go-anywhere abilities, with competitors subjected to 3,700 miles of some of the most arduous terrain a car would ever encounter. So, when the Lancer 1600 GSR won the event on its first attempt in 1974, not only did it cement Mitsubishi\u2019s first-ever WRC win, it also gave it a formidable reputation within the region.<\/p>\n

Behind The Wheel <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/section>\n

Our featured car is a low-mileage example that has been lovingly recommissioned into active service by its present owner. It\u2019s not a GSR with that firey 1600 engine but instead features a 1400 cc four-cylinder with 67 hp. A\u00a0paltry figure now and one easily surpassed by city cars, but enough to get by in its day.<\/p>\n

Nestling into the driver\u2019s seat, you expect a reasonably old-school driving experience, hinted at by the thin-rimmed steering wheel and closely positioned pedals. But, for a car without power steering, the Lancer is surprisingly light on its feet, even at slow speeds. The steering, despite exhibiting a minor amount of play that is characteristic of the old-school steering box, is the antithesis of the ones in 99 percent of cars on sale today: it\u2019s communicative, quick to accept input, and easy to gauge the conditions of the road. The gearbox is similarly snicky, with a relatively long throw but a pleasingly positive action that encourages you to swap cogs as much as you can.<\/p>\n

In modern traffic, you\u2019re forced to keep rowing through the gears, but once you get up to speed on an open stretch, fifth gear helps keep things quiet. And from an era that was known for buzzy engines, the four-cylinder carb-fed lump manages to keep itself from sounding like an annoyed bee even when pushed. It\u2019s no powerhouse, and the aftermarket addition of A\/C doesn\u2019t help either. But when it comes to keeping up with the flow of the road, it\u2019s more than competent without feeling labored.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n

<\/a> <\/p>\n

Perhaps most impressive is the car\u2019s road-holding abilities. On thin 175-crosssection tires, the Lancer is a ball of fun to toss around. But despite its relatively rudimentary leaf-spring rear, it remains planted and, most importantly, predictable in its reactions. Where you\u2019d have to mark the Lancer down would perhaps be ride comfort, with the car getting unsettled over harsher bumps.<\/p>\n

However, compared to most contemporary creations, which in its primary markets were still dominated by British-built competition, the Mitsubishi<\/a> Lancer feels streets ahead in modernity. The build quality, even after five decades (albeit with impressively low miles for a car of this vintage)\u00a0is nothing short of impressive, too.<\/p>\n

So, why don\u2019t we remember the first-generation Lancer with more fondness? While it may not have done so well in the States, the notoriety of successive generations of Lancer, particularly when the Evolution<\/a> line was introduced, likely has something to do with it.<\/p>\n

JDM Review: The 108 HP Toyota Sera Coupe That Influenced McLaren\u2019s F1<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Perhaps it\u2019s easy for automotive historians to reference the well-televised and documented exploits of more exciting turbocharged all-wheel drive beasts. Or, perhaps Mitsubishi themselves successfully managed to market their successes exclusively to their more modern incarnations. <\/p>\n

Whatever the reason may be, it\u2019s important to remember there are still some attainable and rewarding classics left out there. Cars like the first-gen Mitsubishi Lancer may remain underappreciated for decades to come, but for those few who can cling to this unsung hero, it\u2019s a gem of a usable classic.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/section>\n

Photography by Mohamed Shan for CarScoops | Special thanks to Amrit Alles <\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Not every car gets to be remembered as being special. To be honest, the way automotive legends are born is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4373"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4373"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4376,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4373\/revisions\/4376"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}