The 3000GT VR4 was a pinnacle concept from Mitsubishi. The idea was to make a car that took all of their expertise and technological advances – which was considerable in the 90’s – and merge it into one dream machine. The powerplant was a 3.0-liter V6 in alliance with two turbochargers that created a potent 320 horsepower. That motor utilized dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, still cutting-edge tech in the nineties, which produced smooth power and torque that was released to all four wheels through a slick 6-speed. This particular VR4 had a previous owner who fitted it with a Borla dual exhaust system, so the noise is even louder than stock but harmoniously well crafted to the sprightly six cylinder – plus there may be a little extra horsepower!
Enthusiasts know that finding a VR4 coupe is rare. However, even rarer still is the 3000GT Spyder, which was the first hard-top convertible available for purchase since Ford did it in 1959. To do this, Mitsubishi hired a coachwork company (ASC) to build the Spyder for only two years (1995-96), and they constructed fewer than 1,050 during that time. Unfortunately, to make it into a hardtop convertible, ASC went to the troublesome task of adding some 400 extra pounds of weight in bracing to regain the structural rigidity lost during the conversion process. This process was tedious and difficult requiring unique rear bodywork to be fabricated and the adaptable aerodynamics to be removed. All of this is why so few were approved for construction. In fact, in 1996 there were only 84 3000GT VR4 Spyders produced by ASC; seeing one in the wild belies the word “rare.” It is more akin to spotting an Amur leopard on the mountains of Russia. Even better than that is that this VR4 scarcely has 26,000 miles on the odometer – making it indeed a pristine example. To keep it in such excellent condition during these last few hundred miles an oil change, new tires, and front pads and rotors were all performed as needed maintenance.
Finished in the brilliant shade of Monza Red (the 3000GT VR4s only came with two other color options, black and white) it is the ideal complement to the tan and black interior. Also inside is the original stereo system with an equalizer plus a working factory automatic climate control system that features a digital dash! The seller informs us that all of the powered components (roof, a/c, heating, seats, and windows) function as intended. However, there are some minor squeaks from the roof, and the driver’s rear window occasionally has difficulty closing but can be fixed with a tad bit of manual assistance. It is also worth noting that rear quarter panel was repaired and repainted after a slight scratching incident during garage entry. With a clear California title and a no-incident accident report, this Spyder is ready to drop the top and head out to The Max to relive those fantastic mid-nineties.
