In the 1990s, Japanese performance cars improved by leaps and bounds, creating a kind of horsepower war that was more about cutting-edge tech than big block V8s. With multi-valve sixes, sophisticated suspensions, 4-wheel disc brakes, and all the comfort and convenience features you’d want, these were take-no-prisoners cars that were the best Japan had to offer. Today, Japanese sports cars are legitimate collectors’ items as those of us who were there when it was happening in real-time gain appreciation for the dream cars of our youth. That makes cars like this gorgeous 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL especially appealing, because it’s a car that still feels contemporary today and offers tremendous bang for the buck. Is the future of car collecting? I wouldn’t bet against it.

The important details on this 3000GT are these: one owner from new, 23,928 original miles, 5-speed manual transmission, and a great color combination. The car has been meticulously maintained from the day it was purchased and full receipts accompany the car to attest to the fact that it’s in top health. The color is called Sorrento Red Pearl, and it’s just gorgeous in person—a deep burgundy with just enough metallic in it to make it really glow in the sunlight. Unlike so many of its contemporaries, however, this one was never used as a daily driver or in winter weather so it remains incredibly clean with 100% original paint and bodywork. There are, of course, a few minor signs of use, mostly under the chin, but this is a 25-year-old car that looks two decades younger than it is. The later Mitsubishi 3000GT styling included revised projector headlights designed to look like a Samurai warrior, as well as the aggressive chin spoiler and wing out back. In the ‘90s, nobody was being subtle! Fit and finish are typical Japanese excellent and you get the impression that there’s nothing on the car that isn’t there for a reason. It remains a great-looking machine!

The beautiful ivory leather interior is just as nice as the exterior and provides a bright, clean passenger compartment that works very well with the Sorrento Red paint. The leather seats are bolstered just right to be comfortable for long-distance touring but grippy enough to hold you in place while you’re having fun, and the seating position is definitely sports car. You’ll note that virtually everything was standard on the 3000GT, including A/C, power windows, locks, and mirrors, power driver’s seat, keyless entry, cruise control, rear defroster, and a powerful Infinity AM/FM/cassette stereo with graphic equalizer and CD changer (it was 1995, after all!). Most importantly there’s a 5-speed manual gearbox in the center console, and it snaps through the gears with ease and you’ll quickly feel at home in the SL. The only options on this car are the chrome wheels and the giant removable sunroof overhead, which stows neatly in the trunk. The 3000GT also has a fairly usable back seat that’s better than most of its peers as well as a good-sized trunk under the hatch which hides out of sight with a retractable cargo cover. Underneath you’ll also find the original jack and spare tire, which has never been used.

For power, the SL used a naturally-aspirated version of Mitsubishi’s 3.0 liter 24-valve DOHC V6, which made a rather respectable 222 horsepower (the 1995 Mustang GT, for comparison, made 215). It’s silky smooth and torquey as hell, so the 5-speed manual feels like a natural choice. Thanks to proper maintenance and exactly zero aftermarket modifications, this one runs like it should, starting instantly, idling smoothly, and pulling down decent fuel economy if you’re not putting your foot on the floor all the time. The engine bay shows very well—obviously this car has been loved all its life—and recent service work includes new spark plugs and wires, a job that can be challenging on these cars. You’ll note that little stuff like the hose clamps and fasteners are all OEM spec, and aside from the aforementioned spark plug wires, it looks pretty much the way it did in 1995 when it drove to its new home. That’s what you get when you buy a car that someone has loved all its life.

The 5-speed manual shifts beautifully with firm engagement and no slop, and clutch take-up is silky smooth and light enough for any driver to manage. The all-independent suspension nicely balances comfort with agility and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS were standard equipment. Please take an extra-long look at the undercarriage, where you’ll see that this car has never seen rain, never mind snow and salt, and even the exhaust system is 100% original, proving that well-preserved cars are better. There’s a nice snarl from the twin tailpipes out back, but at speed the SL just whispers along. Those beautiful chrome wheels were a $600 option, and today they are unmarked and carry newer 225/55/16 performance radials with a lot of life left in them.

Extras include the original window sticker, manuals, maintenance receipts, and more.

Maybe you remember these and never thought you’d have a chance to own one (the original sticker on this SL was a rather eye-watering $35,517 1995 dollars). Maybe you’ve realized that with age comes the ability to indulge yourself. Or maybe you’re just looking for a whole lot of car that doesn’t cost a whole lot of money. Whatever your reason, this gorgeous 3000GT is rewarding in so many ways that you’ll never regret having it in your garage. Call today!

Harwood Motors welcomes and encourages personal or professional inspections of any vehicle prior to purchase.