Matt's Mitsubishi Delica is the JDM Volkswagen Syncro! - One Take

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Matt was thinking about a van to use as an airport shuttle for his new business, Westside Collector Car Storage. His wife, Hannah, just loves boxy, quirky cars, and just needed something with a back seat. We've always liked the quirky "Space Van" look of the early 90's, and this Mitsubishi Delica had to come home with us.

This is a 1991 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon Exceed Turbo D, and yes, that is the full, correct name. The chassis code is L300, which ranged from 1986 through 1994. It's a mid-engined, rear-drive, cab-over van with 4x4 and a proper low range. The engine is a 4-cylinder SOHC turbodiesel (non-intercooled) making 84 HP and 148 lb/ft through a 4-speed automatic transmission. It seats six, with sliding, swiveling captains chairs in the middle.
And it rules.

Wheels: Fifteen52 Turbomac HD
Tires: Falken WildPeak AT3W
Shocks, brush guards: Mountune USA, Carson
Stereo: Clarion N507

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[mackenziec-f]

I still remember my mum’s 98 delica when I was a kid. I always thought it was the coolest car to be dropped off to school in because how high we were off the ground and the captain chairs. I still have memories of sitting in the back looking through the moonroof at night then looking back towards my mother in the drivers seat.

I’m going to buy one, someday. even if it’s a shitbox..

[oooday]

Back when Mitsubishi was one of the coolest car manufacturers

[devilock]

Imported a Delica about a month ago. What was supposed to be a quick flip has turned into a bit of a love affair. I drive it more than the Cappuccino, Evo II, S4 avant or 996 turbo!

[SStarwind]

Should totally lend this to Doug for a day

[jackclark]

When you're a millionaire flying into LA to drive your exotic car and get picked up in this.

[KN-lqzv]

My dad bought the earlier Mitsubishi L300 brand new in 1983, we drove half way around Australia going on holidays growing up. 4 children growing up, never missed a beat. They are incredibly popular with back packers who want to drive around Australia on a budget. Bullet proof

[thezanzibarbarian]

I used to have a Delica many years ago. It was funny driving them and looking at Range Rover drivers reactions as they craned their necks to look UP at you.
But for my needs then, it was a delight. I used to do a lot of fishing so getting my complete carp gear and two other friends complete carp gears into it was no problem.
The 4wd system was superb. Ground clearance stunning. It turned on a sixpence and because it wasn't wide, getting into and out of parking spots was a doddle. And it was so comfortable to drive too.
As for top speed, I had mine up to 95 mph on the motorway (Allegedly!).
Had the 7 seat configuration. Middle row had pilot seats that turned and you could ly the middle and back seats flat to make a full side double bed :-))...
And when ALL the seats were raised, you have a massive load space. Also had roof windows for the 2nd and 2rd row of seats. Had curtains too, so with the "bed" in situ, no one could see what you might, or might not be, up too. If you get my drift!! :-))...

[yayididit]

We had a 1996 Mitsubishi delica jasper with the 2.8td for 13 years in New Zealand. Then we sold it. Miss it to this day.

[AdamLeask]

We had a TV show here in New Zealand, presented by motoring enthusiast Bill Hohepa. He'd take his Delica on proper 4x4 trails. It was such good fun to watch, especially when they decided one day to wrap pies in tinfoil and cook them in the engine bay!

[OzGrungle]

I drove one of these around North America in 2009. Vancouver, New York, Key West, San Diego, Vancouver. It broke down in LA (fuel pump) and we were stuck there for 3 weeks while it was fixed using parts from Vancouver.

Now back home in Australia and I own a D5 Delica. Had it 8 years now and still love driving it!

[ihatecops.]

R8? Honestly man i’d rather have the Delica.

[Crazynacky]

Heard about this so much on the podcast. Glad to finally see a video of it.

[WhatZHeckMan]

Imagine being picked up in this as an Uber ride. I'd never stop smiling.

[bushjon]

I bought a 94 delica starwagon with 50 k on it a few months ago. Make sure you check all the rubber parts in it, such as hoses, timing belts, brake master etc. If you haven't already. I had to replace a few things due to it being a low mileage older vehicle. The timing belts are most detrimental. Enjoy, I'm enjoying mine. And I enjoy your videos.

[productguru]

The headlights look so cute! Wish Mitsubishi had continue it

[comradeboris]

One of the best things about moving to NZ is the abundance of JDM imports. Enjoy your Delica, they are beasts!

[rdtonefromthesun]

You can intercool, up the boost, and put a bigger rad in these to deal with hills and highways.
Such great vans!

[japitalianish]

as dope as the delica is, and make no mistake i think it's dope as hell, i have kind of a hard time imagining VIPs getting into LAX after a long-ass flight and being super psyched about a cloth-seat mitsubishi van. I know it's used for exactly that all over the world, but as Matt said, those are 3rd world countries, and this is L.A.... maybe i'm wrong, but you gotta really hope clients are as into 80s off-beat radness as Matt is for this to work out

[ricvibesinc]

I got an l300 4wd 1987.. model .. the 3rd owner since 1999.. it's still awesome. . Takes me almost anywhere .. economical & plenty a 2nd hand parts . It's a 5 speed manual . The 5th gear is kinda like a turbo. Even though it's the 4d56 cyclone diesel engine....

[kyleb]

It’s worth noting it can tow 8000lbs and surprisingly does it REALLY well