Australian-made Magna’s 230kW supercharged send-off: #17 of 20
When Mitsubishi announced that its Tonsley Park plant in Adelaide would be shuttered, the media flurry was massive. But slipping through the cracks was one unsung victim – as the brand quietly shelved plans to build 20 supercharged TMR380 (Team Mitsubishi Ralliart).
15 had already been built, with another five VRZX 380 donors on the way for conversion.
Without Mitsubishi’s support to see the project through, Alan Heaphey and the independent TMR outfit shouldered the finances to see the project through.
They took the standard 380 VRX, and strapped a Sprintex supercharger to its 3.8lt V6, along with: a larger air intake, TMR six-piston brakes and 370mm discs up front, and four-pot 340mm out back.
In the end, 18 were sold to Mitsubishi dealerships at an MSRP just under $57,000. One was purchased for Mitsubishi Australia – by then-boss Rob McEniry – while #001 was kept by TMR.
This one for sale is number #17 of 20, and has covered 81,300kms since new.
It looks to be in good condition through out and free of noticeable wear and tear; the seller describes it to be in “immaculate condition”.
It might be one of Australia’s more forgotten sports-flavoured sedans, but it represents an interesting and important footnote in Australian manufacturing history.
The mighty Magna is based in New South Wales and is listed for $39,000.
You can check out the full listing here!
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