Matthew’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR certainly grabs your attention straight away. It’s not only eye-catching, but it’s got the performance to match too. It’s a 2.0 litre, 280BHP machine with a HKS Hi-Power Exhaust.

Matthew imported the car from Japan. The process from start to finish took a little time however it was more than worth it for Matthew, as he found his dream car.

Want to find out more? We’re one step ahead of you there! We spoke with Matthew directly to get the low-down on his immaculate Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR…

All about Matthew…

When did you first discover you had an interest in cars?

“My dad is probably responsible for my interest in cars. When I was growing up he had a number of performance cars: from a Sapphire Cosworth, to an Audi Quattro, he then owned a UK Middlehurst-supplied Skyline R33 GT-R. From the age of about 10, video-games such as Gran Turismo (and later Forza Motorsport) really began to open my eyes to the world of cars – it’s been a passion ever since.”

What was the first car you ever owned?

“My first car was a 1986 Mk3 Ford Escort XR3i. I then moved onto a Mk2 Golf GTI before returning to Ford ownership with a 1989 Mk4 Escort XR3i. I had a bit of a thing for the later 1980’s early 1990’s hot hatches… in fact, I didn’t move onto a car from this millennia until 2013 (when I upgraded to an Audi S3 8L). 2017 is the first year that I won’t own a hot hatch since passing my test…”

If money was no option what car would you buy? And why?

“That’s a tough one; it would be something yellow… Either a NA2 Honda NSX-R (spent a lot of time driving those in Forza/Gran Turismo) or, a Yellow Nismo 400R. For me, this would be the ultimate R33 GT-R, in the best colour!”

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR

Has your car ever been featured in any magazines / online forums?

“As the car only landed on UK soil in January of this year (and I didn’t collect it until April) it hasn’t been featured in any magazines yet, or any online forums.”

What garages do you use to perform the work on your car?

“Thanks to the age of my previous cars, they were maintained either at home or with the help of a local garage. My brother was able to help out with the S3 during his stint working as a technician at a main dealership of Audi. Hopefully, the local garage will be able to help with any minor work the Evo may require. I am aware of some specialist garages in the Hertfordshire / Buckinghamshire area for anything more technical though.

Also, I would like to say a big thank you to the team at Torque GT for sourcing and importing the Evo.”

What advice would you give to someone who wants to import a car to the UK?

“Much like buying any car, it’s important to do your research, find out what common problems / issues to look out for on the car, and find out what sort of values the car you’re after is fetching at auction. This is so you can come up with a reasonable budget. Probably, most importantly, (unless you’re planning on going to Japan to vet the car yourself) find a reputable Japanese import company. I used Torque GTs Personal Import Service, the service Torque GT provided from start to finish was first class. It was a very simple, stress-free, way of importing your dream car from Japan and I have no hesitation in recommending their services.

One final point worth noting – be patient. Importing a car takes a while, it was 4 months before a Yellow 5 came up for auction and a further 6 until I collected the car, but it was definitely worth the wait!”

Do you have any plans to further modify your car?

“Initially, my plans are to upgrade things as they begin to wear / show their age – silicon hose kit and intercooler hard pipes are near the top of the list. Also, I want to tidy a few bits and pieces up on the car. This will include: a carbon wrap on the rear spoiler, and replace the crudely cut fan shroud with a carbon item. I also want to replace the HKS exhaust with a Fujitsubo item as well.”

Are you attending any car shows in 2017?

“The Mitsubishi Evo’s first proper voyage will probably be out to Lydden Hill for the FIA World Rallycross at the end of May. I’m also hoping to be on the MLR stand at JDM Combe in June and will try to get to a number of breakfast / ‘cars and coffee meets’ such as Sushi Sunday to take place at Goodwood in October.”

Modified Car Insurance

Matthew’s car is insured via our Modified Car Insurance scheme. Within this scheme we have the ability to offer cover on a like-for-like basis (for the modifications), or even an agreed valuation basis. There are a variety of options. For more information, visit the Safely Insured website.

Further information: Modified Car Insurance | Performance Car Insurance | Imported Car Insurance