Rare Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Tommi Makinen Edition Heads to Auction

Every car enthusiast harbors an irreplaceable dream machine—one that embodies speed and passion or represents an era of automotive glory. For devotees of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo), the Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME) stands as a towering icon. When the TME badge meets the Monte Carlo designation, the result transcends mere performance—it becomes a priceless piece of motorsport history. Now, collectors face a once-in-a-generation opportunity: an ultra-low-mileage, virtually "time-capsule" Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI TME Monte Carlo edition is preparing to cross the auction block.

This exceptionally rare Evo is considered the most exclusive variant ever produced. Based on the sixth-generation platform and equipped with the coveted Monte Carlo package, only five examples were built worldwide—with this auction representing the final survivor. Despite its 22-year age, the car shows just 5,600 kilometers (3,480 miles) on the odometer, preserving near-factory-fresh condition. Its emergence promises to reignite global passion for Japanese performance legends.

The TME badge honors Finnish rally driver Tommi Mäkinen, who piloted Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo to four consecutive World Rally Championship (WRC) driver's titles between 1996 and 1999. Mitsubishi commemorated this dominance by releasing the Evo VI TME in 1999.

Compared to standard Evo VI models, the TME received comprehensive enhancements. Engineers recalibrated the suspension with lowered ride height for sharper handling, optimized steering response for precision, and fortified the engine with upgraded turbochargers, exhaust components, and ECU tuning. Distinctive 17-inch wheels and aggressive front bumpers completed the visual transformation.

The auction specimen carries the ultra-exclusive Monte Carlo package—developed by Mitsubishi's Ralliart UK division to celebrate Mäkinen's third Monte Carlo Rally victory. This track-focused upgrade pushed performance beyond standard TME specifications.

While official outputs remained rated at 280 horsepower (206 kW), industry consensus suggests actual figures exceeded this limit. The package included Eibach performance springs, revised transmission gearing for explosive acceleration, and a rally-spec front differential for maximum traction. Inside, Recaro SR seats—renowned for their race-ready support—anchored the cockpit.

Mitsubishi initially planned twelve Monte Carlo editions but completed only five, cementing their status as the rarest Evos in existence. Auction estimates place this vehicle's value between £100,000–£120,000 ($127,500–$153,000)—a testament to its dual significance as both collector's artifact and motorsport monument.

As electrification reshapes the automotive landscape, this auction underscores the enduring cultural value of combustion-era icons. These machines represent more than engineering—they embody the mechanical symphony and unbridled ambition of their time, preserved now as moving museum pieces for generations who experienced their heyday firsthand.