30,706 Actual Mile 3000GT SL Spyder 3.0L V6 4 Speed

Believe it or not, the Mitsubishi 3000GT was called the GTO in its home country of Japan. Muscle car fans might take umbrage, and it's certain that Ferrari fans would get upset all over again like they did in 1964, so Mitsubishi wisely chose to rename it for most export markets. What didn't change is that these are exceptionally nice cars to drive: fast, competent, quiet, smooth, and with decent ergonomics, even 20 years later. Sure they were laden with technology, but the stuff has turned out to be remarkably reliable and durable, and low-mile cars like this SL Spyder with just 30,706 original miles are wonderful cars to own and drive. In fact, whenever we manage to find a low-mileage example, they sell almost immediately. Best of all, with summer fast approaching this Spyder comes complete with a special edition retractable hardtop for those gorgeous days where you just have to have a convertible.

In 1996, it didn't get much better than this 3000GT SL Spyder. And the original window sticker that is included in the sale shows just how highly optioned this vehicle was. Just listen to what came standard on this ride:
• Power Steering
• 4-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bars
• Power, vent 4-wheel disc brakes
• Stainless steel exhaust with tips
• Galvanized steel body panels
• Platinum tip spark plugs
• Spyder owner's kit
• Homelink Universal transmitter
• Auto dimming rearview mirror
• Object in trunk sensor
• Automatic A/C climate control
• Cruise Control
• Security System W/ keyless entry
• Power Door Locks with Security logic
• Power windows w/ driver auto down
• 7-way adjust driver with power
• Leather front seating surfaces
• 50/50 split-fold rear seat
• Mitsubishi infinity premium audio system
• 6-disc CD auto-changer
• Auto-off headlamps
• Variable intermittent wipers
• Leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
• Digital clock and floormats
• Height adjustable steering column
• Center console with cupholder
• Tachometer and trip odometer
• 17X8.5 chrome alloy rims
• Integrated rear spoiler
• Electric Door mirrors
• Aerotype halogen headlamps
• Projector-type foglamps
• Auto Power Telescopic antenna

The body is covered in a vibrant shade of red and is complete with a rear spoiler, aggressive front fascia, and hood-mounted faux vents, so you get the slam-dunk styling without the hefty price tag. Adding to the appeal is the fact that this red beauty is one of the rare special editions with the retractable hardtop roof. There's very little sign of use, and even the chin spoiler is largely devoid of the usual chips and scrapes. Time isn't usually kind to paint, but this car really does look like it's a few months old, not nearly two decades. Of course, there's no sign of accident damage or botched repairs, because this one has a totally clean history. “Nice car” doesn't even begin to cover it.

Lift the vibrant red hood and you'll discover the naturally aspirated 3.0 liter 24-valve V6 in the 3000GT SL that produces 222hp, while still keeping a modest 24mpg. It was also virtually bulletproof, being the same engine design that survived being pressurized by a pair of turbos in the VR4 models. What that means is you get sparkling performance, exceptional reliability, and some pretty docile street manners. You just can't argue with that kind of performance. Looking at the fittings, the fasteners, and the other bare metal components under the hood, it's clear that this car was never driven in the winter and hails from a warm, dry climate. There's no rust, but also none of that chalky corrosion you get on the aluminum bits, a sure sign of clean living. You'll also note that this one still carries a lot of its original equipment, including what appears to be the factory-installed hoses, further indications of this car's clean, low-mileage status. The cast aluminum intake is still clean, the valve covers have bright Mitsubishi lettering, and all the decals are still in place. Who knows, in a decade or two, people will be seeking out survivors to use as restoration guides, and this one certainly qualifies.

Bolted to the original low-mileage engine is a convenient 4-speed automatic transmission. It drives the front wheels and uses a sophisticated suspension setup to virtually eliminate torque steer. The rear suspension uses a clever multi-link arrangement that tracks like a cruise missile on the open road and gives this sport touring coupe the moves of a much lighter car. Powerful vented disc brakes with ABS live at all four corners, and the original exhaust has a raspy snarl that's extremely sporting, especially from outside the car. The ride sits on the original 17” Chrome plated alloys that have been wrapped in new Kumho Ecsta rubber. In fact this Spyder is 100% original except for new rubber and a new battery.

Put the top down and open the door and you'll find a two-tone leather interior that accents the vibrant red body with a black dash and console, and tan leather bucket seats. Like the rest of the car, the leather is in excellent condition with no tears or soiling, and the perforated seating surfaces are comfortably broken in, but not worn. Aggressive side bolsters will hold you in place for aggressive driving, but are also comfortable for those long highway drives for which this car is ideally suited. The gauges are sporty, and who doesn't love the three pod mounted auxiliary gauges placed high in the center of the dash? Everything is standard, including power windows and locks, a powerful climate control system, cruise control, rear defrost, a tilt wheel, and a vintage 1996 entertainment system that actually sounds great. Coming with the 3000GT is the original six-disc alpine CD changer that sits in the original box ready to be installed in the trunk.

Included in the sale of this immaculate Mitsubishi is the original window sticker, a letter of congratulations from Mitsubishi, the original owner's manual, basic operation guide, and the aforementioned six disc alpine CD changer that has yet to be installed.

We've seen from recent sales, including a Toyota Supra, that Japanese sports and grand touring cars are finding their own unique position in the collector car world. A whole generation grew up with these cars as their dream machines, not Camaros and Mustangs, and as a result the good ones are getting snapped up as quickly as they come to market. They're also some damned fine cars to drive, and if you're an enthusiast who likes to put his hardware on the road, few cars deliver the blend of performance and luxury that the 3000GT offers. With low mileage, great maintenance, and a killer color combination, this car will make you smile every time you slide behind the wheel!