Lancer Evolution 6.5 Tommi Makkinen Edition.
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Stunning Throughout. Garaged Since New.
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DETAILS
PRICE £67,495
MODEL HISTORY
The Lancer Evolution 6 Tommi Makinen also known as the TME, or Evo 6.5 is considered by many to be the best Lancer Evolution Mitsubishi ever produced and said by some to be one of the most hardcore and talented production cars ever built. Figures quoted state 2,500 examples were made from 2000-2001, of which some were LHD examples and some rare RS models, which would mostly have been used for competition. As with many icons, sadly these were forgotten for some years and went out of fashion for a while, often getting into the wrong hands, where they were mercilessly tracked, heavily modified, raced, or more often abused, crashed and broken for parts. Very few truly pristine rust-free examples like this one exist today, but that makes the best examples all the more valuable collectors cars as time continues to pass year after year. Unique model features: Despite Mitsubishi having made examples all the way to version X before production stopped, few will dispute that the Tommi Makkinen offered the best driving experience of all Lancer Evo's built. Improvements over the previous Evo 6 included a high response titanium and aluminium alloy bladed turbo with a smaller diameter compressor wheel to boost quicker and be able to spin faster for higher boost. A quicker steering rack (Same as fitted to RS models) provided improved steering response. Additional underbody bracing tightened the chassis and unique to this model high quality (thicker diameter) shock absorbers & springs were also fitted. Tommi Makinen embossed seats with matching red-stitched Momo steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and leather gear knob in combination with unique black faced gauges with red numbering and calibrations were featured. White Enkei Racing Forged Alloy 17" wheels were also fitted - of the same design used in Group A WRC racing. The front bumper was of a new design, specially shaped through wind tunnel testing in an effort to improve the coefficient of friction. The lower cross member was also replaced with an alloy item for strength and lightweight.
EQUIPMENT
Standard & original option equipment includes: Power Steering, mated to an RS quick ratio rack, Dual SRS Airbags, Momo steering wheel, 4 channel ABS, Brembo brakes, Engine oil cooler (located behind the o/s/f bumper corner), Permanent 4WD system with Anti-Yaw, Water jets to intercooler, Rear Wiper, Central Locking, Electric mirrors with retract mode, Signature Tommi Makinen Recaros with matching rear seats. Original optional extras include fitted mats and Rallyart alloy sports pedal set (incl. footrest). Wheels are original Enkei 17" items with 225/45ZR17 sports tyres. Note the condition of wheels and callipers. No corrosion at all; which is an indication of the care and attention this car's had during its lifetime by one (mature) Japanese owner in Nagoya. Note also, this car comes with the rare option of a glass (electric) sunroof. Only around 10% of TME's were manufactured with this since it was an expensive option.
EXTERIOR
The exterior is in stunning condition and shows signs of having been professionally cared for, or by a very knowledgeable owner. There's a complete lack of the usual pin dents - sides are pin straight. Note also the relative lack of corrosion on the exhaust heat shield (where water would usually drain onto, through the bonnet vents if parked outside). We left it like this for pictures to show honestly how corrosion free this example is, but in the quest for perfection prior to completion we shall be taking this off & sanding smooth before application of a fresh coat of heat-resistant matt black paint & re-fitting with new bolts from Mitsubishi.
INTERIOR
The interior is in excellent condition and the single owner since new was a non-smoker. The lack of wear to seats indicates the driver was of light build and a non-smoker. The ashtray & cigar lighter have never been used, not even once! The driver's seat has no visible wear, creasing or marks and the passenger seat is the same. These TME's usually have some UV fading to markings on the seats, but these are still fresh, which indicates to us this TME has been garaged when not in use (exterior condition confirms this too) throughout its life. The original steering wheel is in good condition, though a bit shiny, so we will be having it re-finished to as new condition, as part of our usual attention to detail with collector's grade cars such as this. There's some normal wear on the floor mats (no holes at all - though we can obtain new "Prodrive" fitted floor mats at a good price if desired). As usual with these, on the door panels, the Alcantara inserts had started to bubble & come unstuck (which is common if not always a case with these cars) from the PVC plastic panels. We had these re-trimmed in new Alcantara to better than original quality for the new owner.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Engine and Transmission remain fresh and potent, with no significant wear being evident. This car has never been used on a circuit, nor has it been used hard through its life. Having been regularly serviced, evidenced by a full-service history, it'll remain a reliable proposition if it remains standard and as well cared for as it has been to date.
WHEELS, BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Discs also have low wear which confirms the same. The wheels had a couple of small scratches on, which were touched-in and we noted the tyres are about 30% worn only. Most notable is that the paint is original on these rims and still completely corrosion free. Very unusual - compared to most Evos these days.
CONDITION REPORT
There's one small touch-up mark we noticed on the front bumper, although this is too small to require repair. Essentially the bodywork throughout is amazing for a car that's now 18 years old. The lack of stone chips to the sides and front also indicate this car was rarely driven fast. The underside of the car is in excellent rust free condition. Compare this TME with an example that's been on the roads of the UK for a number of years, or even since new and the contrast will be stark. In summary, condition throughout is much like that of a 2-3-year-old car. An amazing example in every way.
TEST DRIVE
We drove this car in all approx 50km. The Evo 6 TME's we source always pull noticeably stronger than other lower mileage Evo 6's we've sourced before. This example's no exception, pulling strongly all the way to the redline with a tight feel. Handling is also spot-on: Confidence inspiring and capable of providing indecently quick progress on real-life roads. Brakes work strongly with no dramas at all. In fact, this example drives much like a new and tight example, with no faults at all to report.
HISTORY
It's clear from its condition and bearing a full-service history that this car's very well cared for all of its life. Note that the timing belt is recorded as having been replaced at 72,860km. Now a collector's piece provided it's maintained as well as it has been over the last 18 years this unique TME is amongst the very the best of examples remaining- so it'll continue to rise in value to be an excellent investment for its the new owner. You need only take a look back at where Lancia Delta Integrale Evolution prices have gone and where they're headed. The TME is the better car in the majority of aspects - faster, more capable, greater fun to drive, reliable, easier to find parts for, etc. - In essence, we can expect TME prices to be up where Delta Integrate Evo prices are now and beyond, in the not unforeseeable future.