Weekly Motor Fix: we found a 1983 Mitsubishi Cordia GSR Japanese time capsule

9 July 2015

 

We have heard the term, ‘owned all its life by one lady owner’ and thought, ‘yeah, right’ plenty of times before …

Well folks, this unbelievably original and immaculate 1983 Mitsubishi Cordia GSR time capsule is literally a low-kilometre, genuine, one-lady-owner-since-new vehicle. What’s even more exciting is that it’s currently on the market, and with the steady interest in classic Japanese cars on the rise, it would surely make a sound investment for an astute buyer.

Sadly, the owner has passed away, so the car has been offered for sale. When Betty purchased the Cordia, it was brand new from the Todd Motors factory right here in New Zealand. This example has been stored in a garage since 1983, and has been lovingly cared for, with protective blankets covering the rear seats, and sheepskin covers protecting the front. As you can imagine, it’s like stepping into a time machine, taking you straight back to the early ’80s — it’s like new.

Being the factory turbo example, it has ample grunt to propel the Cordia around quite nicely. The gearbox is the factory four-speed manual, and has a power- and economy-override lever. There is no power steering in this old girl either, but if an elderly woman can handle it, then it can’t be too arduous on the biceps.

There certainly wouldn’t be too many examples like this left anywhere, and it’s more than likely one of the most original Cordia GSRs in New Zealand — complete with the original warranties for both the car and stereo, service-care plan, and original registration papers.