1987 Mitsubishi Starion JD - today's tempter

By: Spencer Leech, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 18.12.2016

This one of six known to survive in Australia.

1987 Mitsubishi Starion JD

This is a surprisingly rare example of one of the lesser-loved early Japanese sportscars. The Mitsubishi Starion was globally produced from 1982 to 1989 but was cut short in Aus, leaving in 1987.

The Starion may not have been the most successful vehicle in terms of sales, but was important for the brand as it was on the forefront of the turbocharged performance vehicle era, arguably starting the genre. It was also the first of its kind to be equipped with electronic fuel injection, and proved itself as a strong motorsport contender in both local and overseas racing events.

During its five year lifespan in Australia, three models were introduced; the JA, JB and JD. The final model, the JD, had a smaller turbo and as a result was significantly less powerful than its predecessors, which likely contributed to the nameplate

The JA and JB models were capable of producing 125kW and 245Nm out of their 2-litre four-cylinder engines, the JD however, made only 110kW and 164Nm.

Performance aside, and with collector interest in the Mitsubishi Starion on the rise, the less-powerful JD may be a good buy. Why? Well out of the 50 originally imported for production racing, it is believed that less than 10 still reside in Australia, and this is one of them.

The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion JD that is currently for sale is registered with 173,000 kilometres claimed and is said to be in 'excellent' mechanical order. The owner is asking $20k.

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