Mitsubishi Clearly Didn’t Care At All About This One | Carscoops

      With a face only a mother could love, the Pajero Junior-based Flying Pug is set to take on Cars & Coffee.

      7 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      Mitsubishi’s Flying Pug combines Pajero heritage with classic British automotive design.

      Produced exclusively for Japan during the 1990s, only 139 units were ever made.

      This 1998 Flying Pug was imported to the U.S. with 39,400 miles on the odometer.

      It may require a second glance to fully comprehend, but the intriguing 4×4 in front of you is indeed a Mitsubishi Pajero. And no, it’s not an eccentric aftermarket creation from a custom shop like Mitsuoka; rather, it’s an authentic limited-edition model produced by Mitsubishi itself.

      This quirky variant of the Mitsubishi Pajero is the Flying Pug, a special edition solely for the Japanese market from the late 1990s. It's estimated that fewer than 140 were produced, and one of these rare finds is now available for sale in Park City, Utah.

      Based on the two-door Pajero Junior, the Flying Pug retains its robust underpinnings but showcases body panels inspired by classic British brands such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and MG.

      From certain angles, it might resemble an errant kit car, but this is a legitimate Mitsubishi factory endeavor, contributing to its unique charm.

      This Flying Pug has been listed for sale on Cars & Bids with only 39,400 miles (63,400 km) recorded. It was brought to the U.S. in 2024, and a similar model was previously seen on our desks a couple of years ago, priced at $11,800.

      To infuse the Pajero Junior with a touch of British elegance, Mitsubishi redesigned the front and rear fascias, adding a chrome grille reminiscent of a classic Rolls-Royce, round headlights and turn signals, flared wheel arches, round taillights, and chrome bumperettes.

      While "beautiful" may not perfectly describe it, its distinctiveness is certainly undeniable.

      Powering it is a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine producing 79 hp and 72 lb-ft of torque. It retains the part-time 4-wheel drive characteristic of a regular Pajero Junior, and the listing indicates it comes with a U.S. title, which means the next owner won’t face any complications to drive it legally.

      For anyone fascinated by the quirky aspects of JDM history and who appreciates a hint of British style, this Flying Pug could be worth considering. Check out the listing here before it’s too late.