Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of a true classic, the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring. This car isn't just a mode of transport; it's a statement, a piece of history, and a nod to an era when cars were built with a unique blend of style and substance. If you're a car enthusiast or just someone curious about automotive history, buckle up, because we're about to take a detailed look at what makes the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring so special.

What is Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring?

The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring is more than just a car; it's a symbol of an era when Japanese automakers began to make their mark on the global stage with vehicles that offered a compelling mix of style, performance, and reliability. The Sapporo, known as the Galant Lambda in some markets, was Mitsubishi's foray into the personal luxury coupe segment, a market that was booming in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The "Super Touring" designation typically indicated a trim level or special edition that came with enhanced features and a more luxurious experience. This could include upgraded interiors, advanced technology for its time, and unique styling elements that set it apart from the standard Sapporo models.

The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring was designed to appeal to drivers who wanted a vehicle that offered both comfort and a sporty driving experience. Its sleek lines, plush interior, and responsive engine made it a popular choice among those who wanted to make a statement without sacrificing practicality. The car was equipped with features that were considered advanced for its time, such as power windows, air conditioning, and a sophisticated sound system. The exterior design featured a distinctive hardtop look with frameless windows, adding to its appeal as a stylish and modern vehicle.

Under the hood, the Sapporo Super Touring typically featured a range of engine options, including both gasoline and diesel variants, depending on the market. These engines were known for their reliability and provided a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The suspension was tuned to offer a comfortable ride while still providing decent handling, making it suitable for both city driving and longer journeys. Over the years, the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring has become a sought-after classic among car collectors and enthusiasts. Its unique design, historical significance, and the memories it evokes make it a valuable piece of automotive history. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates classic cars, the Sapporo Super Touring represents a fascinating chapter in Mitsubishi's story and the evolution of the automotive industry.

Design and Styling

When you first set your eyes on a Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring, you can't help but notice its striking design. This car was a head-turner back in its day, and it still holds its own today. The Sapporo boasted a long hood, a short deck, and a sleek, hardtop roofline, giving it a sporty yet sophisticated appearance. The frameless door windows were a particularly cool touch, adding to its overall air of luxury and modernity. The chrome accents and clean lines further enhanced its visual appeal, making it a standout in a sea of more conservatively styled vehicles. The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring featured a distinctive front grille and headlight arrangement, which varied slightly depending on the model year, but always maintained a stylish and recognizable look. The rear of the car was equally well-designed, with elegant taillights and subtle badging that added to its premium feel. The overall design language was a perfect blend of American and European influences, resulting in a car that felt both familiar and unique.

Stepping inside the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring, you were greeted with an interior that was both comfortable and well-appointed. The seats were often upholstered in plush velour or leather, providing a luxurious feel. The dashboard was thoughtfully laid out, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. Many models came equipped with features like power windows, air conditioning, and a high-end sound system, which were considered premium amenities at the time. The spacious cabin provided ample room for both front and rear passengers, making it a practical choice for families or those who frequently traveled with others. The attention to detail in the interior design, from the quality of the materials to the placement of the controls, reflected Mitsubishi's commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. In terms of styling, the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring was a product of its time, reflecting the trends and tastes of the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, its timeless design has allowed it to age gracefully, and it remains a visually appealing and desirable classic car today.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about what it's like to get behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring. While it wasn't designed to be an all-out sports car, the Sapporo offered a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. Under the hood, you'd typically find a range of engine options, including both gasoline and diesel variants, depending on the market. These engines were known for their reliability and provided adequate power for everyday driving. The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring wasn't going to win any drag races, but it could certainly hold its own on the open road. The suspension was tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. Handling was decent, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and responsive steering. While it wasn't as sharp or precise as a dedicated sports car, the Sapporo was still fun to drive, especially on winding roads.

One of the highlights of the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring was its smooth and refined driving experience. The engines were generally quiet and well-mannered, and the automatic transmissions (available on many models) shifted smoothly and seamlessly. The car felt solid and well-built, instilling confidence in the driver. The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring was a comfortable cruiser, making it ideal for long road trips. The seats were supportive and well-padded, and the cabin was relatively quiet, thanks to good sound insulation. The available air conditioning kept occupants cool on hot days, and the premium sound system provided entertainment for those long drives. Of course, as with any classic car, it's important to keep in mind that the Sapporo's performance and handling characteristics are not going to be on par with modern vehicles. However, for its time, the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring offered a compelling blend of comfort, style, and performance, making it a popular choice among discerning drivers.

Features and Technology

For its time, the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring was surprisingly well-equipped with features and technology. While it may not have had all the bells and whistles of modern cars, it offered a number of amenities that were considered advanced for the late 1970s and early 1980s. Many models came standard with power windows, power door locks, and air conditioning, which were all considered luxury features at the time. The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring also boasted a sophisticated sound system, often with multiple speakers and a cassette player, allowing occupants to enjoy their favorite tunes on the road.

Other notable features of the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring included:

• Power Steering: This made the car easier to maneuver, especially at low speeds.
• Tilt Steering Wheel: This allowed drivers to adjust the steering wheel to their preferred position.
• Interval Windshield Wipers: This feature allowed drivers to adjust the speed of the wipers to match the intensity of the rain.
• Rear Window Defogger: This helped to clear the rear window of fog and ice, improving visibility.
• Alloy Wheels: These stylish wheels added to the car's overall aesthetic appeal.

While the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring may not have had features like GPS navigation or Bluetooth connectivity, it offered a level of comfort and convenience that was impressive for its time. The focus was on providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, and the Sapporo delivered on that promise. Of course, technology has come a long way since the 1970s and 1980s, but it's important to appreciate the features and innovations that were available at the time. The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring was a testament to Mitsubishi's commitment to providing its customers with high-quality, well-equipped vehicles.

Collectibility and Rarity

So, how collectible is the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring today? Well, like many classic cars, its collectibility has increased over time, especially as more and more enthusiasts begin to appreciate its unique design and historical significance. While it may not be as widely known or as highly sought after as some other classic cars, the Sapporo has a dedicated following of fans who appreciate its rarity and its distinctive styling. Finding a Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring in good condition can be a challenge, as many of these cars have been neglected or have succumbed to the ravages of time. However, those who are willing to put in the effort to find and restore a Sapporo can end up with a truly unique and valuable classic car.

The rarity of the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring varies depending on the market and the specific model year. Some models were produced in larger numbers than others, making them more readily available. However, certain trim levels and special editions are quite rare and can command a premium price. Factors that can affect the collectibility of a Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring include:

• Condition: Cars in excellent condition, with original paint, interior, and components, are generally worth more.
• Mileage: Lower mileage cars are typically more desirable to collectors.
• Documentation: Having original documentation, such as the owner's manual and service records, can increase a car's value.
• Rarity: Rare models and trim levels are typically more valuable.
• Location: The location of the car can also affect its value, as some markets have a stronger demand for classic cars than others.

If you're considering adding a Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring to your collection, it's important to do your research and find a car that is in the best possible condition. Be prepared to pay a premium for a well-preserved example, especially if it's a rare model. With its distinctive styling, historical significance, and growing collectibility, the Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring is a classic car that is sure to turn heads and appreciate in value over time.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring is more than just an old car; it's a piece of automotive history. Its unique design, comfortable interior, and enjoyable driving experience made it a popular choice back in the day, and it continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts today. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates classic cars, the Sapporo is worth a look. It represents a time when cars were built with a focus on style, comfort, and reliability, and it's a reminder of how far the automotive industry has come. So, if you ever get the chance to see a Mitsubishi Sapporo Super Touring in person, take a moment to admire its beauty and appreciate its place in automotive history. You might just find yourself falling in love with this classic ride. And who knows, maybe you'll even be inspired to add one to your own collection! Keep the passion for classic cars alive, guys!