Classic Drive: The Underrated Appeal of Mitsubishi’s 1977 Lancer | Carscoops

      Long before the Evo, Mitsubishi's early achievements in rallying were rooted in one of its modest sedans

      by Sam D. Smith

      Not every vehicle earns a place in automotive history. The process by which cars become legends is often elusive. Some models that receive significant hype live up to the excitement, while others simply fade away over time. However, there exists a different category: cars that, while they may not achieve "legendary" status, truly deserve it. One such vehicle is the first-generation Mitsubishi Lancer.

      Depending on your location, you might recognize it by other names—Dodge Colt, Chrysler Colt, or even Plymouth—but we are specifically referring to the original: a Mitsubishi-branded Lancer from a time when the Japanese automaker was still establishing its presence globally. Despite its modest specifications and unremarkable appearance, the first-gen Lancer possesses more depth than many realize.

      QUICK FACTS

      Wait, Isn’t That The Completely Uninspiring Dodge Colt?

      If you're located in the U.S., you'll likely identify this as the third-generation Dodge Colt sedan – a rebadged version of the Lancer that emerged from the early partnership between Chrysler and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). If you remember the Dodge Colt, you can be forgiven for dismissing it as a bland economy car, far from the legendary image I’m trying to convey.

      At the time the third-gen Colt was launched in the U.S., the Lancer had already been in production for at least five years. Thus, it was seen as a retro solution to a contemporary problem.

      With the U.S. still recovering from the fuel crisis, many automakers had adapted by providing small-capacity front-wheel-drive vehicles to consumers eager to maximize their fuel efficiency. Arriving late to the scene, the rear-wheel-drive Dodge Colt was promoted as the “Mileage Maker” and was pitched as a low-cost option.

      Confusingly, it was notably smaller than the Galant-based model it replaced and came without any added features. The marketing targeted the Colt as a preferable alternative to Toyota and Datsun’s economical options—not because it was excessively superior, but because it bore a Dodge badge.

      Nonetheless, the Colt was decidedly traditional. Its rear-wheel-drive setup felt outdated, and its leaf-spring rear suspension didn't look impressive on paper. To American consumers, the Lancer-based Colt epitomized the economy car.

      Despite these perceptions, critics lauded its impressive driving dynamics. However, vehicles like Dodge’s own Omni, which debuted a year later in 1978, provided a more contemporary, European-style approach.

      But the Lancer's history is much richer, and while it may have been viewed as a simple penalty box in the U.S., the first-gen Lancer was instrumental in Mitsubishi's remarkable rallying success.

      One Person’s Economy Car Is Another’s Rally Legend

      In Japan, the A70-generation Mitsubishi Lancer enjoyed far greater recognition. It was introduced in 1973, five years prior to arriving in the U.S. as a Dodge, and offered a variety of four-cylinder engines, ranging from a 1.1-liter for the base model to a race-tuned 1.6-liter variant. A diverse selection of body styles was available, including a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, and a five-door wagon.

      Trim levels were notably more sophisticated. Our featured vehicle is a 1977 SL model, complete with velour seats, chrome accents, an all-synchromesh five-speed transmission, a deep-dish steering wheel, and a tachometer. The standout aspect of this generation came when Mitsubishi committed to rallying. Long before "Evolution" symbolized Japanese WRC dominance, the company produced a special edition to compete in the notorious Safari Rally.

      The Safari Rally, held in East Africa, tested a car's off-road capabilities over 3,700 miles of some of the toughest terrain imaginable. When the Lancer 1600 GSR clinched victory on its initial attempt in 1974, it marked not only Mitsubishi’s first WRC win but also established its formidable reputation in the region.

      Behind The Wheel

      Our featured car, a low-mileage instance, has been carefully restored to active use by its current owner. While it’s not equipped with the high-performance GSR 1600 engine, it does feature a 1,400 cc four-cylinder producing 67 hp—a modest output by today’s standards but sufficient for its time.

      Settling into the driver's seat, you anticipate a traditional driving experience, evident from the thin-rimmed steering wheel and closely placed pedals. Surprisingly, even without power steering, the Lancer feels light and agile, even at lower speeds. The steering, despite showing minor play typical of older models, offers a level of communication and responsiveness that contrasts sharply with modern vehicles. The transmission has a satisfying, positive action that encourages frequent gear shifting.

      In current traffic conditions, you find yourself shifting gears