A genuine sports coupe born by Mitsubishi
Mr. Kjima, a resident of Tokyo, was one of those who were attracted by the charm of the Mitsubishi Galant GTO GSR. He has been enjoying modifying this valuable model to his specifications.
Succeeded in giving it even more potential
A sports coupe called the “GTX-1” was displayed at the Mitsubishi booth at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show. This was a model that was exhibited for reference as a prototype of the Galant GTO, the first “Galant GTO” to be introduced to the world. The Galant GTO made its official debut the following year in November 1970. The body was based on the “Galant Hard Top” and appeared as a fastback style two-door coupe model. It was also called a “hip-up coupe” because it had a ducktail with a raised tail.
The engine was a 125 hp 4G32 Saturn engine with a four-cylinder 1600 cc Solex double choke for the first model. It was also the first DOHC model in Mitsubishi passenger cars. 1973 saw a minor change and the model evolved into the GTO 2000 with a 2000 cc 4G52 Astron engine.
Furthermore, in the 1975 model year, the flagship GSR model was equipped with a 2000 cc 4G52 four-cylinder engine with two two-barrel carbs. With a maximum output of 125 hp and a top speed of 190 km/h, it accelerated from 0-400 m in 16.5 seconds and, under the slogan “high potential,” etched the GTO’s name in the history books.
A remake while retaining the originality of the original
Mr. Kajima, a resident of Tokyo, was one of those who were attracted by the charm of the Galant GTO GSR. He says he was attracted by the GTO’s unique coolness, with its sharply angled hood tip line, a mask similar to the Pontiac “Grand Prix” that was popular in the United States at the time, and an air scoop on the hood.
Mr. Kijima, who loves to tinker with cars, remade the Galant GTO GSR in a Showa style. Just as those born in the Showa era enjoyed building plastic models in their childhood, he enjoys modifying the car by adding parts such as over fenders, grille-less, and racing spoilers.
Although this is a so-called street racer specification, Kajima is particular about the fact that it retains the original GTO’s character. As an indication of this, the body color is stock orange. The hood has been replaced with an FRP hood, but his favorite air scoops have been transplanted.
The engine has also been modified considerably, but this is a company secret. The muffler is made by Shonan Suncruise, and a φ44 Solex carburetor is installed. In addition, a well-known Unas music horn with 8 trumpets is installed in the engine room. Incidentally, the music is made to play “Marriage March.
Customization to return to stock style
The interior instrument panel features an overhead console that bows toward the driver. The switches were left as stock, but the clock, etc. were removed and a Ramco water temperature gauge and fuel pressure gauge were set there in case of any problems. Also, the factory seats were heavily damaged, so they were replaced with Brid semi-bucket seats, which were popular in the 1990s. The seats are probably Brix. Supposedly, they are Brix.
If you look closely at this custom style, you can see that it was made so that it can be returned to the stock style by removing the overfenders and spoiler. It can be said that Mr. Kishima is particular about the style that can be returned to the factory stock without overdoing it, while still enjoying the original look of the time.
translated by DeepL
