Lot 181 - 1996 Mitsubishi FTO - ‘Lightning McQueen’
| Lot Number | 181 |
| Registration | N96 CEG |
| Chassis Number | DE3A0102361 |
| Engine Number | 6A12 |
| Estimate | £21,000 - £24,000 |
The Mitsubishi FTO, is a front engined, front-wheel drive coupé produced between 1994 and 2000. It was originally planned to be exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, although its popularity as a grey market import to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand led to eventual limited distribution through Mitsubishi's official dealers in those countries. Upon its debut it won the Car of the Year Japan award for 1994–95. The inline engined GS was the base model in the FTO range, with 14" wheels and automatic climate control. The rear spoiler was an original equipment option on both the GS and GR. The larger engined V6 GR also had auto-aircon and 15" wheels. Completing the range was the V6 MIVEC engined GPX with 16" alloy wheels, sporting a rear spoiler and side air dams as standard. The power plant of each model can be quickly identified in the engine bay, with the oil cap on the right of the engine cover for the 2.0 DOHC V6 and on the left for the 1.8 SOHC and 2.0 DOHC MIVEC V6.
This particularly special example started life as a normal road car and was subsequently rebuilt as the ‘Lightning McQueen’ car. Lightning McQueen, typically referred to by his surname McQueen, is an anthropomorphic stock car in the popular animated Pixar film series ‘Cars’ and TV shorts known as ‘Cars Toons’. The character is not named after actor and race driver Steve McQueen, as commonly believed, but actually Pixar animator Glenn McQueen, who died in 2002. His design is inspired by a stock car and ‘a more curvaceous Le Mans endurance racer,’ with ‘some Lola and some Ford GT40.’ This is probably the best real life example of the cartoon character car in existence. Its decals are eye catching and fun, captivating imaginations everywhere when seen on the road or at shows. Its potent engine sounds terrific via twin side exit exhausts and the interior is black with a five speed manual gearbox. Guaranteed to be the envy of any child (and a few parents). Owning this fabulous car, is sure to bring a smile to all at every outing.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.