Mitsubishi Starion Turbo EX

About this Collectable

Mitsubishi Starion Turbo EX

It hardly gets more eighties than this! Known from its appearance in The Cannonball Run’ and nostalgia in the style of the DeLorean DMC-12, the Toyota Celica Supra, the Nissan Silvia and the Toyota AE86. The Starion (in this case a a a ‘JA Starion’, a ‘narrowbody’ or ‘flatty ) is about to be discovered in Europe too as the historic JDM gem that it is. This is the original design of the first model series with the original 4-hole alloy wheels, the much sought-after and rare bonnet with integrated air intake and ventilation slots, a chin spoiler with brake air guides, and a subtle rear wing. This Starion is completely authentic and in fine condition considering its age and birth era. One of the first Japanese cars with a turbo and injection to give fire to the Porsche 924 Turbo, among others. It is 42 years old, but the beauty is that the Starion feels both old-fashioned and modern at the same time. Pure, genuine, sporty yet comfortable, the seats are great, there is room in the back and a usable boot. The seatbelts roll into the doors, not into the B-pillar; you look out onto an angular, retro-futuristic dashboard with lots of gauges, lights and buttons. The steering is light and communicative, handling is fine and the car stays nicely flat in corners despite the 14-inch wheels and higher-rim tyres. The engine is a 2-litre four-cylinder with balance shafts, and after a small turbo lag, the 170 blown horsepower and 245 Nm of pulling power come full circle. It is the primal version of the 4G63, the famous block from the Lancer EVO with which the Starion goes from 0 to 100 in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h.

The Starion offered here was originally delivered in the Netherlands by Mitsubishi dealer van Wijngaarden in Papendrecht and anyway one of the few Starions in the Netherlands. The car has a logical RDW score of just under 87,000 km and has had a lot of (preventive) maintenance. The car was once newly painted and that was done neatly and carefully without annoying spray edges. The underside is hard, the car is structurally rust-free and there are no leaks in the engine or transmission. Furthermore, a brake overhaul has been carried out, the timing belt has been replaced at 83,000 km (by the way, should the belt snap, it's a freewheeler!) and the car has had a complete service in May 2024, including fresh fluid in brake system and clutch. The valve stem rubbers were replaced in October 2024. The engine has been found healthy by a Mitsubish expert. This version of the 4G63 has a rudimentary throttle body injection system and an oil bearing turbocharger. Many trapped gaskets and the valve stem rubbers are still original, so the occasional sweat drip or plume of smoke is part of the deal. Everything works and the Starion has had anti-rust treatment in the past. A full folder of documentation indicates that all owners have treated the car with love. In short, a well cared for car that has not been messed up or made brand new.

Our opinion

Just got my driving licence myself when this Starion came out. As a result, it is still on my mind along with its equally fast 4-door Lancer 2000 Turbo brother. What a cool car that was. ‘Mitsubishi, the steeled perfection’ was the slogan back then. We can't remember seeing another one driving in the last 15 years, so very rare and then also originally Dutch delivered. The nice thing is that you can still make serious metres in today's traffic.

Equipment

This Starion is the luxurious EX version, among other things equipped with:

- ‘Pop-up headlights’!
- Electric windows
- 14-inch alloy wheels
- 5-speed bench seat
- Disc brakes all round
- Multi-adjustable sports seats
- Leather interior
- Folding rear seats
- Audio system
- From inside adjustable exterior mirrors
- Power steering and brakes
- Front lip and rear spoiler
- Light-alloy wheels

Modifications

This Starion is completely original except for:
- Retro audio system (Blaupunkt Hamburg SQM 23 DAB radio with BlueTooth car kit/streaming and 160-watt Sony three-way speakers)
- LED headlights and city lights

Notes

Obviously this Starion has signs of use that are to be expected on a 42-year-old car, but as a whole the car still looks very good and solid. Always driven by enthusiasts, underpinned by a thick history.

Key points from the recent service history are:

- 30-03-1983 - 8,721 km - Beurt Garage van Wijngaarden
- 23-08-1983 - 20,298 km - Service Garage van Wijngaarden
- 27-04-1984 - 31.592 km - Service Garage van Wijngaarden
- 06-02-1985 - 37,465 km - Service Garage van Wijngaarden
- 24-05-1985 - 42,275 km - Service Garage van Wijngaarden
- 1986-2006 - Maintenance under own management
- 03-12-2007 - 62,200 km - Service Quick service Kieviet
- 02-01-2011 - 79,000 km - New tyres
- 19-04-2012 - 82,500 km - Major service
- 01-02-2013 - 83,200 km - Replacement of timing belt and brake overhaul
- 01-05-2024 - 86,500 km - major service
- 14-10-2024 - 87,010 km - Valve stem rubbers replaced

The service booklet is present (see also the photos). A lot of maintenance has been carried out on the car, however, not everything is fully recorded in the booklet. A comprehensive service was done recently, and the valve stem rubbers were replaced in October 2024.

Other technical issues that have been addressed:

- Cooling fan relay switch replaced
- Turbo play, wastegate and accuracy of turbo pressure gauge checked
- Fuel pump and fuel filters at the tank and engine replaced
- Windscreen wiper mechanism overhauled
- New wiper blades
- Steering adjusted tighter (prevents fuzziness around the centre position)
- Door hinges greased
- Lubricated mechanical parts in the doors
- Seat belt guide improved
- Telephone holder, radio and fire extinguisher fitted

Included with sale

- Two keys
- (Stamped) booklets
- Bills 
- Leaflets
- Documentation and magazines

About the seller

The current owner bought the car a few months ago. He has several nice cars in his collection and is reorganising them. Recently, he already auctioned off a special American car to make room for new fun toys.

Summary

Seller - Mark
Seller type - Private
Location - Deurne
Registration number - JF-58-TS
Chassis number - JMBA183AMCZ451166
Year of construction/date - 29-10-1982 
First registration NL - 26-10-1982
Mileage - 87,055 km
Demonstrable - Yes, NAP
Warranty - No
VAT/margin car - Margin
Bodywork - Coupé/hatchback
Engine - 2-litre turbo with 170 hp
Drive system - Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox - 5-speed manual transmission
Exterior - Black
Interior - Grey
Upholstery - Leather
Smoking car - No
Owners - 4 
Tyres - 215/60/R14 Nexen Premiere DOT 2011, >6mm

The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and may, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.
Do you also want to sell your Collectable to a new lover without any worries? Please contact us.