38k-Mile 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R

Description

It took only seven model years for the Mitsubishi Starion to evolve from a handsome import to a capable sports car. Certainly no one who drove that first-year 1983 model would have believed that it would be battling Porsche 944 Turbos just a few years later.

The secret lay in its 3,100-pound curb weight and short 95” wheelbase. After intense engine and suspension development between 1983–86, the Starion was lowering lap times and raising eyebrows. By 1988, its torquey, turbocharged, and intercooled 2.6L four-cylinder engine hissed out 188 horsepower, and its revised independent suspension held an impressive .83g through the turns — putting the upstart Starion within spitting distance of the standard-bearer 944 Turbo around a racetrack.

Factor in its 16-inch wheels and aggressive styling — especially wearing the widebody ESI-R’s aerodynamic front air dam, deep side sills, wide fenders, and wraparound rear spoiler — and Mitsubishi had created a capable performer that remains a cult classic today.

Purchased new by the seller’s brother in June 1988, this Starion ESI-R has traveled only 38k miles in nearly 38 years, as corroborated via a hand-written maintenance log from new. Additionally, the car is said to remain unmodified throughout.

This low-mile Mitsubishi is now offered with a clean CARFAX history report, factory owner’s manuals, and a clean New Jersey title in the original owner’s name, with the seller acting as executor of his brother’s estate.

Highlights

• One-owner Starion ESI-R showing 38,300 miles

• Hand-written maintenance log from new

• 2.6-liter G54B turbocharged, intercooled inline four-cylinder engine factory rated at 188 hp and 234 lb-ft. of torque

• Optional 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive

• Finished in Rio Red with Black interior

• Optional 5-way adjustable leather bucket seats with lumbar support

• Clean CARFAX history report

Factory Equipment

• ESI-R model includes:

  • Widebody aerodynamic styling

  • Optional automatic transmission

  • Optional leather upholstery

  • Limited-slip differential

  • Rear Brake Lock-Up Control System

  • Outside mirror defogging and rear window wiper with intermittent control

  • Electronic automatic HVAC system

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

  • Power door locks

  • 6-speaker AM/FM/Cassette stereo with graphic equalizer, steering wheel controls, and power antenna

• Low-mass turbocharger with up to 10 psi boost

• Electronic fuel injection and electronic ignition

• 16” wheels now wearing 225/55 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires

• 10.8” front, 10.4” rear vented power disc brakes

• Pop-up headlights

• Automatic shoulder belts with Turbo lettering

• Power steering, windows, and mirrors

• Cruise control

• ETACS-IV theft deterrent system

• The chassis number (JA3CC54N1JZ010975) decodes as:

  • J – Japan

  • A – Mitsubishi

  • 3 – Passenger car

  • C – Passive seat belt

  • C – Starion

  • 5 – Premium

  • 4 – 3 door hatchback

  • N – 2.6L turbocharged engine with intercooler

  • 1 – Check digit

  • J – 1988 model year

  • Z – Okazaki assembly plant

  • 010975 – Serial number

Servicing & Documentation

• A hand-written maintenance log from new is in the factory owner’s manual (see photo gallery)

• June 2024: oil and filter change at 38,082 miles

• Clean CARFAX history report

Known Imperfections

• Wear on turn signal stalk

Ownership History

The accompanying clean CARFAX history report shows an odometer reading of 12 miles when the seller’s brother purchased this Starion new in June 1988 and lists registration in New Jersey since.

Included Items

• Two sets of keys

• Owner’s manual with maintenance log from new

• Spare tire and jack

• Spare oil filters

Additional Information

The seller states, “One owner car, purchased on June 17, 1988. Garage kept, just driven on weekends as I had three other vehicles for daily use. Good running car with very fast acceleration! “This was my brother’s pride and joy, it is in tip top shape with everything original, including the floor mats.”