Description:

We are proud to soon welcome an absolute icon of rally history to our collection: the Mitsubishi Pajero T3 Proto in which Bruno Saby claimed WINNER ATLAS & TUNISIA RALLIES, 3rd PARIS–MOSCOW–BEIJING in 1992 and 1993.

The 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero T3 was a pure factory prototype, featuring a lightweight carbon/Kevlar body over a spaceframe chassis, advanced long-travel suspension, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve engine producing around 300 hp (restricted). Built and prepared by Mitsubishi Motors in cooperation with Sonauto in France, it represented the pinnacle of rally raid engineering of its era.

This particular ex-works car was driven by Bruno Saby and has an impressive competition record, including:

• Winner – Atlas Rally 1992

• Winner – Tunisia Rally 1993

• Winner – Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 1993

• 3rd Overall – Paris–Moscow–Beijing 1992

Certified by Mitsubishi Motorsports, the car has been completely restored with new factory parts and comes with a comprehensive file documenting its history and preparation.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an original factory prototype with multiple international rally victories, a true motorsport legend, and a centerpiece for any serious competition car collection.

Technical Specifications of the Pajero T3 Prototype

The T3 Proto was a full competition vehicle featuring a spaceframe chassis, double wishbone suspension, and coil springs on all four wheels. The bodywork was made of carbon fiber/Kevlar and was very compact – only about 2 m wide with a 3 m wheelbase.

• The car weighed approximately 1,410 kg.
• Powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve engine (4G64).
• Due to the FIA regulations at the time (34 mm air restrictor), it produced around 300 hp.

The T3 machines were supported by a large team consisting of 9 trucks and 76 personnel, managed by Ullrich Bremer.

The Mitsubishi Pajero T3 Proto with which Bruno Saby won the 1993 Dakar was built by the Mitsubishi Motors factory team in Japan, in close cooperation with Sonauto in France (then the official French Mitsubishi importer and rally partner).

1. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation – responsible for the design, engineering, and assembly of the spaceframe chassis, drivetrain, and suspension.
2. Sonauto Mitsubishi (France) – handled rally preparation, livery, European logistics, and race support.
3. Ralliart Europe at that time played a smaller role in the pure Dakar vehicles (focusing more on WRC and circuit programs).

In short:

• The chassis and mechanical base: developed and built in Japan by Mitsubishi’s motorsport division.
• The rally-ready build and preparation: carried out in France by the Sonauto team that led the Dakar operations.

Eligibility of the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero T3 Proto in Classic Rally Events:

1. Dakar Classic
Since 2021, the Dakar Rally has introduced a special “Classic” category for vehicles built before 2000, or newly prepared vehicles according to pre-2000 specifications. Your T3 prototype would therefore qualify. In the 2025 edition, vehicles up to 2005 were accepted as classics due to a relaxation of the rules.

2. General Historic Rally Regulations (FIA/FIA-approved classic rallies)
According to FIA regulations for “Classic Rally Cars,” vehicles must be at least 30 years old (which a 1993 model meets as of 2023). They must be in original condition or appear and perform as in their period specification. Prototype-type vehicles (T3) can be harder to classify since the rules often favor production cars or homologated models.

The description of this (or consignment) cars is, to the best of the our knowledge, accurate and not misleading. GPCARS4SALE requests a range of detail about the cars from the owner and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections in the showroom of GPCARS4SALE as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to buy.  

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is buyers’ responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to buy.

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