1994 Mitsubishi Delica, PD8W

ic (T88/H39) and set off by an optional front bumper guard, dual driving lamps, freshly refinished alloy wheels, and some subtle OEM rainguards. Save for a few spots of discoloration on the paint, as well as a few minor dings and chips, the cosmetics on this 30 year old van show well, and real enthusiasts will place more value on the 65k verified and documented miles on the clock above all else. The Delica does everything well. It’s spacious and can really take a ton of abuse both on and off-road. Best of all, it’s frugal to operate and will turn tons of heads everywhere it goes. Hop behind the wheel and discover why we think these vans are true Japanese Classics! For a van that was once designed to be utilitarian inside, the feature-packed cabin of this L400 really impresses. What’s even more impressive is the fit and finish, versatile seating arrangements, and full slate of power equipment that still holds up to 21st century daily driving. Boasting a functional and desirable Crystal Lite roof, this Delica features power sunshades that retract to give you a view of the heavens above. Perfect for turn-key glamping! The front power windows are also fully functional, alongside a power front sunroof, power locks, and electric folding side mirrors. The grey cloth upholstery is soft to the touch, and seating arrangements are versatile. The middle captain’s chairs can swivel 180 degrees to face the rear, and if additional cargo space is a priority, the third row can rapidly fold off to the side. That’s not to say the cabin is designed purely for passenger enjoyment. The driver gains a fair share of amenities, including a digital field monitor, a tilt adjustable steering column and intuitive switchgear in the center stack. A digital dual-zone climate control unit pumps cold A/C and hot heat throughout the cabin, and adjacent touchscreen Kenwood audio sounds crisp and clear. Resisting normal age-related cracks and ultraviolet fading, the dash cover is in good shape and is set off by faux carbon accent trim. The headliner is tidy, as are the carpets beneath, and as a whole it appears the cabin was well cared for in a prior life. At 25 years old, perfection isn’t possible, and we did want to note the passenger seat armrest is broken. That’s small potatoes, however, as the overall condition and option catalogue more than makes up for it. We even retained the full set of factory carpet floor mats which have remained in excellent shape to boot. Mitsubishi ruled the roost in the 90’s, and the three powertrain options available for the Delica were special in their own way. Real enthusiasts know this 2.8l 4M40 turbodiesel is the cream of the crop, as it boasts superior MPG and has the low-end torque necessary to power more demanding off-road expeditions. As is standard procedure for all our vehicles, our trained technicians have completed some useful preliminary services to ensure this van is adventure-ready from day one. It springs to life, care of two freshly installed 12v batteries, and chugs along nicely at idle after a fresh oil and filter service. A new engine air filter was shipped in from the motherland and installed, and we screwed on a new fuel filter to rid the 2800cc mill of any unwanted contaminants. This turbodiesel is a peach, and can handle higher US interstate speeds without breaking a sweat. An automatic gearbox makes good use of the powerband, and sends juice directly to a Super Select 4WD transfercase. With the ability to change drive wheels on the fly, it also features a center locking differential and low gearing for when the going gets rough. We bolstered the suspension with new front shocks, which distribute road imperfections and don’t jostle your passengers around. The power steering is easy to maneuver, and the brakes do a swell job at stopping this behemoth. Lastly, we clad the alloys in fresh Falken Wildpeaks. Americans were denied one of Japan’s best van designs of the nineties, and it’s safe to say that even in the 21st century, the platform has aged gracefully!