The 1990s brought with them a new era of technological innovation in the automobile industry. One car from an unexpected manufacturer truly shook up the industry and pushed other manufacturers further in their own technological development. With its four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive, electronically controlled damping, and a twin-turbocharged 24-valve 3.0L V6 under a sculpted hood came a sports car that surprised the greats. When tested, contemporary editorials were flabbergasted. They went on to describe the car, referred to as the GTO, as a grand tourer that cannot be unsettled. The final package was the Shogun 3000GT VR-4 by Mitsubishi. 

Following the unveiling of the HSR and HSX concept cars at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi went on to debut their production GTO in 1990. The stylish coupe, cut as a 2+2 grand tourer, was designed and intended to compete nationally with the Nissan 300ZX and Toyota Supra. Although globally known as the GTO, the car is best known stateside as the 3000GT. When introduced in 1990, Mitsubishi described their new tourer as a “new age super four-wheel drive sports car”. Its brutal acceleration and AWD grip was praised from the start. From a standstill, Car & Driver quoted 0-60 acceleration times of sub 5 seconds. 

The 3000GT VR-4 was the top-tier trim package and included the most powerful engine, the 300 horsepower 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6, as well as the best suspension and technological wizardry. The first-generation cars, which were internally referred to as Z16A, were unique in the fact that they incorporated pop-up headlights and blister caps on the hood to accommodate the ECS controllers on the top of the strut mounts. In addition, these early models had an impressive list of technological features that included full-time four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, active aerodynamics, drive modes, and electronically controlled suspension. With a price tag of approximately $34,000 when new, the 3000GT VR-4 delivered the kind of features and options expected on a car with a drastically higher price tag. 

The VR-4 proved itself to be a luxurious and handsome GT 2+2 that delivered its occupants in comfort with impressive amounts of speed and grip. Seldom are sports cars from Japan rated and held in regard alongside their contemporaries from North America and especially those from Europe. The VR-4 accomplished these things handily and at a price point far better than many of its European counterparts. The 3000GT enjoyed an impressive production run of 10 years, with revisions in 1994 and 1997 before production ceased in the year 2000. 

Although these technological marvels from Mitsubishi were, for a long time, forgotten about, they have seen substantial sales numbers and excellent increases in collectability in recent years as the desire for 90’s era cars has swelled. Given how often they tended to be modified and driven hard, finding a low miles stock example has become increasingly hard over the years. We feel, given the meteoric rise of the VR-4’s direct competitors, the Supra, 300ZX, and the RX-7, that there is still substantial growth to be seem in the collectability of these vehicles and pricing trends reflect this with a later model 1999 example with 3,800 miles having recently sold for over $75,000.

The example on offer here, chassis # JA3XE74C3MY014199, is a 1991 first-generation example that is finished in Glacier White Pearl over a full red interior. A classic “J-Spec” configuration! This is 1 of only approx. 760 examples that were produced in Glacier White Pearl for the 1991 model year. Currently, it shows 19,791 miles from new and remains in great original and unmodified condition. According to the CARFAX, this VR-4 was sold new in Rockford, Illinois, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. It appears to have stayed with the same owner till 2016, when it ends up in dealer inventory in Belvidere, Illinois, with 17,623 miles. It was then purchased by its 2nd owner in late 2016, located in Lafayette, Indiana, who owned the car and drove it sparingly till our time of purchase. When we purchased the car in mid-2021, it had just 19,600 miles. Earlier in 2022, we had the gearbox fully rebuilt to the tune of $7,919.86 as well as an extensive detail, including dry ice work on the undercarriage.  As it stands today, this VR-4 remains in an excellent original and unmodified condition. There are a few imperfections on the exterior of the car, in the form of scratches or paint chips, that are to be expected with originality.  The car is mechanically in great condition now that it has had a gearbox overhaul and is a blast to drive as a result. 

These 3000GT VR-4s represent a classic JDM, tech-filled, front-engined, manual sports car experience without commanding some of the unobtainable prices some of its counterparts demand. When referencing things like a low miles mid-90s 300ZX Twin Turbo, which offers a very similar experience, these VR4s are genuinely a great deal and offer a hint more on the practicality side, given its slightly usable rear seats and all-wheel drive.

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