All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution generations are short-lived but not forgotten. The Evo VI is forever remembered as the generation that included the Tommi Makinen Edition (TME). TME cars are special to rally fans, and the most famous of them – a red TME with plate # Y851GHW – is now being offered for sale by Auto Auction.
A Fitting Tribute For Tommi Makinen
In 1999, rally ace Tommi Makinen captured his of his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship in the World Rally Championship. After joining the Mitsubishi Ralliart Team in 1995, Makinen won the WRC Driver's Championship four years in a row starting 1996. Mitsubishi needed to celebrate that feat, and it came in the form of the Evo VI TME unveiled in December 1999.
When Mitsubishi started selling the TME in January 2000, the initial target market was Japan. While it delivers the same output as the standard Evo VI, the TME featured a titanium turbocharger with a more responsive compressor wheel, free-flow exhaust, and a quick-ratio steering rack as well as a front strut-tower brace.
Red TMEs Are Extra-Special Units
Available in five colors (red, blue, white, silver and black), the Evo VI TMEs come with a special front bumper and 17-inch white Enkei alloy wheels. However, only red TMEs – just like this Y851GHW TME – were available with the rally styling package that includes the WRC stripe, Ralliart bumper decals, Mitsubishi decals, white spoiler wing, rear panel garnish, and many more.
The cabin comes with Recaro bucket seats (with Tommi Makinen logo), a special numbered plaque, MOMO steering wheel and a gearknob trimmed in red-stitch leather.
Offered through the specialist Ralliart division in the UK, the first batch of Evo VI were prepared for the market featuring mph instruments and various extra elements (corrosion protection, security features, integrated rear fog lamp and a UK owner’s manual).
Most Famous TME With Makinnen's Signature
This Y851GHW TME – owned from new by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK – is car #6 (since it's an Evo VI). Used for shows, demonstrations and press drives, this Y851GHW TME has graced the cover and pages of various auto magazines.
Now for sale, this TME comes with a spare bonnet, a valid MOT as well as all relevant paperwork and historical documents. It even comes with Makinen's signature on its bonnet.
Source: Auto Auction