It appeared in 1983 as a dozen thunder against a gray winter sky. The Mitsubishi Space-Wagon. And Mitsubishi has been around for 100 years now. But find another cool early Space-Wagon.
An impressive history
Mitsubishi Motors has built up an impressive history over the past 100 years. No segment has been skipped. From luxurious sedan to indestructible van. And from compact city cars to all-terrain vehicles for which no path is impassable. And that 'Pajero' means very popular 'weker' in various South American regions? That did not detract from the quality. Although: at Rolls-Royce they had thought a bit better about this by renouncing the name Silver Mist. Because in target country Germany, 'Mist' means as much as 'shit'.
In the beginning
The story of the Mitsubishi Space-Wagon starts in 1870. With the foundation of a shipping company by Yataro Iwasaki. Under strong government support, it mainly built ships that were war-related. In 1917, the company produced its first passenger car. More than fifty years later, in 1970, the automotive division is separated from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The history of the Mitsubishi logo
The original Mitsubishi logo was created in the early years of the Japanese Meiji period. By founder Yataro Iwasaki. The trademark is actually a combination of two family arms. The sangaibishi (three-layered leaf of the water chestnut) of the Iwasaki family. And the Mitsuganshiwa (three oak leaves) of the Yamanouchi family, feudal lords of the Tosa clan.
Pause after WWII
During the occupation of Japan, Mitsubishi Ltd. was led by the United States on September 30, 1946. disbanded. This was the result of the post-war decentralization policy. All companies were privatized. Use of the Mitsubishi name and logo was strictly prohibited. In 1952 several peace treaties were signed. This again allowed the use of the names and logos of the zaibatsu. As a result, the former Mitsubishi zaibatsu companies started using them again.
After this, the logo would undergo various changes. Before it got its current form, as the now famous symbol of Mitsubishi.
The Mitsubishi Space-Wagon
And so in 1983 we found that logo on the Mitsubishi Space-Wagon, an early multiple purpose vehicle that was ideal for families and business people. The four-cylinder (petrol, turbo diesel or diesel) were optionally available with 1987WD from 4. And it just fit seven men M / F. From 1987, there was even more luggage space, because the third bench from the front could be folded down seamlessly from that moment on. Top!
The Mitsubishi Space-Wagon was available in various versions in terms of equipment. Alloy wheels were an already well-known option. But the electric door mirrors and the central locking were still quite new. The 4WD version had an inclinometer to prevent accidental tumbling off the mountain. The Mitsus were equipped with five-speed gearboxes. A partial lock was available for the 4WD. But the regular Mitsubishi Space-Wagon was a front-wheel drive. The cars weighed about 1100-1200 kilos and walked about 160. Measured across the sofa, they walked 1 in 12.
Find just one more!
Meanwhile, a cool, early Mitsubishi Space-Wagon is as rare as honesty in politics. Very occasionally one comes from Switzerland (4WD!). And in the South of France there are also a few.
But if you look at such a Mitsubishi Space-Wagon now, it is a real classic with its characteristic eighties styling. And with a turbo diesel and 4WD it is also a tough thing.
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In mid-1985 worked at a company in Rotjeknor where they had switched from Ford to Mitubishi. So you're talking about Colt, Tredia, Lancer, L300 and Galant. Can't recall having a repair to it in three years. A Colt (jb-93-sx) has spent six months commuting from Rdam to Den Helder with 2 people and about 250 kg of luggage. This happened at night and they drove full power. After six months a service and again. Just like the L300. Was the only bus that was always driven “digitally”. And then the pointer always went off the scale. Never had a repair in three years.
We also had a VW bus. According to the light, oil always had to be added to this. And he lost his side sliding door including 200kg X-ray tube equipment at the roundabout at the top of the mesh tunnel. Maybe that's why I still have nothing with VW.
Oh yeah. The second Colt (jb-94-sx was found missing at the bottom of a pond😢
So my next car will be a Mitsu!