MITSUBISHI’S SECRET WEAPON

It was aimed squarely at top performers in the 2.0-2.5 litre category such as the Mazda RX7, Datsun 280ZX, Porsche 924, Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV and BMW 3-series models, especially for the American market

Mitsubishi’s enthusiasm for international motorsport resulted in the high-performing Starion, a sensational little gem of a sports car developed in great secrecy and launched at the 1981 Geneva show.

It was aimed squarely at top performers in the 2.0-2.5 litre category such as the Mazda RX7, Datsun 280ZX, Porsche 924, Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV and BMW 3-series models, especially for the American market. The Starion, with a top speed of 225kph for the production models and punchy acceleration to match, all at a reasonable price, came as quite a shock to enthusiasts. Later models offered even greater performance. The Starion became the fastest mass-produced sports car available in Japan at the time.

At just over AUD$22,000 when launched in Australia in April 1981, it came with leather or velour seats and vinyl-trimmed panels. The interior was well equipped and the two front seats offered a surprising amount of comfort, grip and adjustment for the day. The back seat was a tight and uncomfortable squeeze not suited to long-distance