The Evolution is considered to not only be Mitsubishi Motor Company's finest engineering feat but to that end, it's just an incredible vehicle in general. Following not just the model's name, but its design philosophy, and this 1994 EVO II GSR came with a slew of improvements over the first generation of the car. Finished in Athens Silver (A21), the overall condition of this EVO exceeds any of the ones we have sold to date. The exterior paint retains a nice shine, and the exterior plastics and OEM rain guards are in above average shape. Sans a couple normal scuffs, dings and light scratches that come with daily driving, the bodywork is straight and has been cared for. With the exception of a performance exhaust and period-correct Advan five-spoke alloys, this 61K verified miles Mitsubishi is unmolested. While it is unquestionably a blast to drive around town, and it's just as comfortable on the track or gravel.

Behind the wheel of the EVO, it's clear that the Lancer embraced its econo-car base model. A simple yet clean design focuses on the driver. Unlike the RS trim level the GSR comes with all of the creature comforts that you want in a road car. Two highly bolstered and super supportive Recaro buckets sit upfront. The light gray is mimicked above with a taut, nearly unblemished headliner. The door cars are also in good condition and match the light gray theme as well. Digital climate, featuring cold A/C, is nice to find in any car of this age, let alone in a true performance sedan. The other upgrades over the stock trim include a functional audio system and a set of electric windows unlike the crank windows in the RS. The gauges all function, and the controls are always easily at hand.

The heart of the beast is Mitsu's tried and true, 4G63-T. Know for its abundance of low-end torque, and infinitely capable of handling more power modifications, this largely stock powerplant is a pleasure to wind out. Utilizing a new 12V battery, the 2.0L I-4 whirrs to life. A deeper tone bellows from the backbox and sets the rear styling off in combination with the EVO II's signature rear wing. Settling into an idle, the four-cylinder may not be the most refined, but it craves boost. A fresh oil and filter service ensure that the high strung 4G63 stays well lubricated. Running up and down the gears, the close-ratio five-speed manual is nicely mated to the power unit. The transmission shifts well, and the factory LSD puts down the power at all four corners. The factory brakes and suspension are still capable after all these years and can handle twisty roads and the highway without feeling abusive or disconnected. The steering feel, always lauded by enthusiasts, is direct and nicely weighted.

All these traits, including handling, power, and accessibility made the EVO an automotive icon. While we weren't fortunate enough to benefit from the sale of these cars in 1994, we can now enjoy them legally, right here in the USA. Lightweight, and lacking all the twin disk, SST, and active yaw control electronics that permeated later generations of the model, this road bred rally car is real turn-key Japanese Classic!

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB complaint first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.