In the 1990s, Mitsubishi Motors was firing on all cylinders. Years before the Lancer Evolution - opens in new window or tab. arrived stateside, the company boasted a dynamic lineup with the sporty Galant sedan - opens in new window or tab., rugged Montero SUV - opens in new window or tab., and two class-leading sports cars: the 3000GT - opens in new window or tab. and Eclipse. These days, Mitsubishi has no sporty vehicles in its lineup, and cars like the Eclipse are rare on the streets. One survivor did manage to make it nearly three decades unscathed, and it’s recently for sale on eBay Motors in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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For the American Market
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was one of the rare Japanese sports cars designed specifically for the American market. At the time, Mitsubishi was partially owned by Chrysler, a partner that marketed many Japanese-built Mitsubishis under its own Dodge, Plymouth - opens in new window or tab., and Eagle - opens in new window or tab. brands beginning in the 1970s.
The Eclipse was different. Engineered and designed by Mitsubishi, the Eclipse was built in Illinois - opens in new window or tab. alongside nearly identical variants badged as the Eagle Talon - opens in new window or tab. and Plymouth Laser - opens in new window or tab.. All three were introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year—just as affordable, compact sports coupes like the Honda Prelude - opens in new window or tab. and Toyota Celica - opens in new window or tab. were rising in popularity.
The Eclipse and its Chrysler cousins stormed the market in a variety of configurations. The cars could be optioned with naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines and front- or all-wheel-drive. Fully loaded models packed a serious punch, making them a favorite of the fast-growing tuner scene of the ’90s. The second-generation Eclipse added a convertible option in 1996, a year after its 1995 launch.
Never Modified
While the droptop Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder could be ordered with a turbocharger - opens in new window or tab., it wasn’t available in the sharp-handling all-wheel-drive form. However, the second-generation improved on the Eclipse’s sleek shape. It grew wider, lower, and more menacing. It was already a favorite of tuners when the second-gen Eclipse got a starring role in the original The Fast and the Furious - opens in new window or tab. movie.
The Eclipse’s desirability became its downfall. Many were modified, street raced, and subsequently destroyed. Mint examples are as rare as hen’s teeth today.
That’s what makes the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Spyder for sale so enticing. Showing only 38,000 miles, it’s nearly brand new. More importantly, it appears to have never been modified. Finished in Mitsubishi’s signature red, it’s a pristine time capsule. For 25 years, this Spyder's evaded becoming a 16-year-old’s project car.
Out of Trouble
The likely reason it stayed out of trouble all those years is its powertrain: a naturally aspirated engine and automatic transmission. The original starting MSRP on a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS was $21,710. Now you can get an essentially identical showroom-stock car for $12,995 or best offer. That seems like a deal, especially since it also includes a quarter-century of storage fees and car care.
Gen-Zers probably don’t even remember a time when Mitsubishi was one of the coolest car companies on the street. Though its glory days are gone, an Eclipse Spyder in this condition instantly brings back a flood of fond memories for any Gen-Xer.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.