The Spirit in Motion：From Dakar 1985 to Today
desert, mountains, rocks, jungle, traversing every grueling environment possible. This competition is considered the world’s toughest motorsport. This is the Dhakar Rally. The route for the 1985 rally featured crossing the treacherous Tanere twice. 22 days. Total distance 10,284 km. Special stage distance 7,487 km. In a fierce competition against 362 other vehicles, the Mitsubishi Pagarro Montero took its first overall win. It would go on to earn 12 total wins, including an unprecedented seven consecutive wins. The Pajgerro Montero prototype was shipped to Japan after the 1985 rally. It was then laid to rest for years at the Mitsubishi Motors Research and Development Center in Okazaki. With all the damage from the rally and deterioration over the years, nobody ever imagined it would run again. The year 2025, 40 years after its first overall win in the Dhakar Rally, now begins the restoration project to breathe life into the Pajgerro Montero once again and share its story with the next generation. Engineers on the works teams in the WRC and the Dhaka Rally take the lead on the project. They pass on their experience and skills to the younger engineers. Every single part is disassembled and individually inspected to assess any wear, distortion, damage, and deterioration. Repairs are carried out as necessary. Then they reassembled the body, electrical systems, cooling systems, suspension and other components. After several attempts, the engine fires up. The engine that conquered the scorching desert 40 years ago is revived through an overhaul without replacing any major parts. The restoration of the Pajgerro Montero prototype is complete. To replicate its appearance at the end of the rally, the original chassis, exterior, seats, and dashboard were used. Scratches and dents sustained during the rally remain untouched. The engine, the suspension, and other mechanical parts were overhauled using the original parts and restored to a drivable condition. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. The Pajgerro Montero was forged from the extreme. Dreams of the Dhakar Rally. Challenges have continued over generations and many technologies have been developed. The spirit in motion lives on through Mitsubishi Motors relentless pursuit of ultimate performance. Drive your ambition. Mitsubishi Motors.
In 1985, over 22 days and a total distance of 10,284 km,
from Paris across the Ténéré Desert to Dakar—
in one of the toughest Dakar Rallies where more than half the competitors retired, the MITSUBISHI PAJERO / MONTERO achieved the first overall win by a Japanese vehicle.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this historic triumph, we have restored the 1985 Dakar Rally-winning PAJERO / MONTERO to its original running condition, preserving its story for future generations.
This video revisits Mitsubishi Motors’ motorsport heritage through scenes from the original competition and the restoration process.Experience the enduring RALLIART spirit.
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Chapters:
0:12 – Dakar Rally and Mitsubishi Motors
1:20 – Before Restoration
1:46 – The Restoration Project
3:06 – Restoration Completed
4:12 – Engine Start-Up
4:34 – Start Driving
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