Meet The Exact Mitsubishi Pajero That Took Dakar Overall In 1985

Dakar has always been brutal on both drivers and machines. In the mid-80s, it was even tougher than it is today. The 1985 rally ran for more than three weeks and covered thousands of miles across deserts and rough terrain. At one point, competitors had to cross the Ténéré Desert twice. Finishing alone was an achievement.

Hundreds of vehicles lined up at the start that year. Only one finished on top—Mitsubishi’s Pajero. Known by different names around the world, that win is what really put the Pajero on the map. It wasn’t a one-off either. Mitsubishi went on to dominate Dakar, collecting 12 overall wins, including a long streak of victories.

Four decades later, Mitsubishi decided to revisit that first win in a very hands-on way. The original Pajero prototype from 1985 was still sitting at the company’s R&D facility in Japan. It had never been restored. It was dusty, worn, and exactly how it came back from Dakar.

For years, it felt like bringing it back would be impossible. But this year, Mitsubishi finally went for it. A small team of motorsport engineers, many with real rally experience, took the vehicle apart piece by piece. Every component was inspected. Parts were repaired rather than replaced wherever possible.

The engine was rebuilt using the original hardware and eventually started again after a few attempts. The suspension, cooling, and electrical systems were made functional. Everything else was left alone. The body, interior, and even the seats stayed exactly as they were.

What makes this project stand out is what Mitsubishi didn’t do. They didn’t repaint it. They didn’t hide the damage. The scratches and dents from Dakar are still there, and that’s intentional.

Mitsubishi has been quietly reviving its motorsport image through Ralliart, and there’s growing talk about a new flagship SUV. The Pajero name keeps coming up in those conversations.