Dakar has always attracted the adventurous, either people or companies willing to prove themselves in the ultimate modern-day testing grounds. The popularity of the Dakar has reached a world-wide audience in the millions making it one of the most watched sporting events in history. This audience brought sponsorship and professional race teams to pit their efforts against each other making the rally one of the most competitive races ever. Mitsubishi Motors’ involvement began early in the his‑ tory of the Dakar, the automaker saw the Dakar as an opportunity to sing the virtues of the mighty 4-wheel drive Pajero / Montero and test new technology in the most arduous of conditions. The Mitsubishi Pajero be‑ came the ‘Prince of the Desert” amassing more rally wins than any other model or brand in history and making its way in the Guinness World Book of records.
The first official involvement by the Mitsubishi fac‑ tory came in 1983 when they fielded a 4-vehicle team using the rugged new Pajero that was released in May 1982. Entering a team in the Dakar rally was a logical step to prove the capabilities of Mitsubishi’s innova‑ tive 4-wheel drive vehicle. The team brought home impressive first and second places in the unmodified production class in its debut in the hands of drivers Andrew Cowan and Georges Debrussy. They also won in the team prize competition. From this point forward the stage was set for Mitsubishi’s storied history in the World’s most de ‑ manding off road event. The following year Cowan crossed the finish line in third place overall and once again won their class – modified Production. 1985 was a pivotal year for Mitsubishi and its Pajero. Further development refined the Pajero to race
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