1st-gen Mitsubishi Pajero gets ‘Historic Car’ award from JAHFA

The first-generation Mitsubishi Pajero has been granted the Historic Car award by the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (JAHFA).

Due to its “superb contributions to Japanese automotive history,” as well as its strong impact in both the recreational off-roading scene and the competitive outdoor arena the Mitsubishi Pajero achieved arguably one of the most sought-after recognitions in the Japanese car scene.

Launched in 982 as a full-fledged off-road four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle, the first iteration of the Mitsubishi Pajero combined excellent off-road handling with the ease of use of a passenger car.

Thanks to its characteristics, the Mitsubishi Pajero “has enjoyed the support of countless customers and established a solid position as one of the leaders of the recreational vehicle and 4WD booms in Japan.”

That said, the Mitsubishi Pajero saw production of a total of 3.25 million units before the three-diamond brand finally pulled the plug on the nameplate in 2021. It was exported to over 170 countries — including ours — and is loved by fans around the globe.

Domestically, the Mitsubishi Pajero spawned various models like the Pajero Mini kei-car in 1994, the Pajero Junior compact SUV in 1995, and the Pajero iO compact SUV in 1998. On that note, the Pajero is one of the carmaker’s most iconic series.

In the motorsports arena, the Mitsubishi Pajero competed in some of the most popular races such as the Dakar Rally where it claimed an overall victory in 1985 — the first ever for a Japanese vehicle.

Today, the Pajero Sport, also known in the Philippines as the Montero Sport, continues the legacy that the first-generation sport utility vehicle has set.

Photos from Mitsubishi 

Also read: 

Mitsubishi breaches 130k-unit mark in May YTD 2023 sales

Mitsubishi to slap all-new Strada with newly developed ladder frame, chassis, engine

Mitsubishi eK X EV earns 5-star rating from JNCAP