
Over the years, Mitsubishi Motors actually had a lot more rally car and sports car models than one would think. Now mainly focusing on its SUVs, barely paying any attention to the Mirage hatchback or sedan, and keeping other models like pickup trucks (L200) and vans (Delica) overseas, there isn’t a whole lot else Mitsubishi Motors seems to be releasing. The rebadged Renault Clio is actually going to be the first new addition to the Mitsubishi Motors lineup – and here we thought Mitsubishi would be releasing its own new vehicle for the C/D segment. Nope. Along with the Mitsubishi Galant AMG, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mitsubishi Starion 4WD, and the Lancer Evolution, there is one other sports car that’s easy to forget – the Colt.
1962 – 1971
A nameplate that’s been used everywhere, and not just on Mitsubishi Motors models, the “Colt” first started as a line of small cars sold in Japan, produced by Shin Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (a sub-company of Mitsubishi before forming into just Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and focusing on large machines). This first rendition of the Colt, the Colt 600, only lasted three years, built as a two-door sedan with a rear-mounted air-cooled engine.
Succeeding this model were the Colt 800, Colt 1000, Colt 1100, Colt 1200, and Colt 1500. Just about each model replaced another, with the Colt 1500 becoming known as the Galant Colt. Then, the third Colt, a fastback (Colt 800) arrived in 1965 and took on a more traditional style with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive design, powered by an inline three-cylinder with three versions until late 1971.
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