Mitsubishi restores the Pajero that secured its first Dakar victory in 1985

For decades, it was simply another vehicle standing idle in a warehouse. Now it has regained its status as a symbol. Mitsubishi has restored the Pajero that delivered its first Dakar victory in 1985, following decades of neglect.

Mitsubishi Pajero's first Dakar triumph

At that time, the Dakar Rally still ran from Paris, France, to Dakar, Senegal: a 10,284 km endurance event contested over 22 days.

The challenge was brutal and the opposition formidable, with Toyota Land Cruisers, Range Rovers, Porsche 959s and Opel Mantas all starting the event.

Against this backdrop, the Pajero secured the first outright Dakar Rally win for a Japanese manufacturer. Its blend of pace and dependability carried Patrick Zaniroli and Jean Da Silva to victory, with another Mitsubishi crew strengthening the result by finishing second.

It marked the beginning of a golden era for the brand, which went on to claim 12 Dakar wins, including seven in succession between 2001 and 2007.

A conservative restoration of the 1985 Pajero

Remarkably, despite spending decades stationary, the historic winner remained in good condition. The restoration was deliberately restrained: its 2.6-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 225 hp was serviced rather than rebuilt, while the bodywork, made from carbon-fibre and Kevlar panels, retained its battle scars - scratches and dents included.

It stands as a tangible reminder of the period when Mitsubishi ruled the desert and the rallying world.