An Unsung Off-Road Hero: The Right-Hand Drive 4×4 Mitsubishi Delica

Asian  /   /  By Mercedes Lilienthal

Are you in the market for an affordable 4×4 van? Does a Vanagon Syncro or Sportsmobile not get you excited? Then the right-hand-drive Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear might be your ticket to adventure. This Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) 4×4 van will turn heads and offer tons of traveling enjoyment.

An Ideal Off-Road Adventure Van

The 1995 Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear Super Exceed for sale now on eBay has everything an off-pavement enthusiast could want. The listing, which is waiting for a starting bid of $14,999, will end soon. But once you understand what the Mitsu 4×4 could mean for your motoring life, the quest for your own Delica will begin.

The available Space Gear example boasts a 2.8L 4M40 intercooled turbodiesel powerplant coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. It has aftermarket wheels wrapped in Bridgestone all-terrain tires. This adventure van comes with a selectable 4WD drivetrain allowing users 2WD, 4WD high-range (with either an open or locked center differential), or 4WD low modes.

1995 Delica Side View

This 4×4 Delica campervan offers a solid rear axle and coil springs. The front has an independent suspension utilizing torsion bars. The black and champagne two-toned Mitsubishi Delica 4×4 van includes ‘90s graphics, factory side steps, rear nudge bar, and an iconic front bull bar with yellow fog lights. There’s a nifty mirror mounted to the top of the rear liftgate, allowing drivers easy visibility to the bumper when parking.

This 4×4 van has seen 64,000 miles of use. Since this van was imported from Japan, the odometer and speedometer are in kilometers only. (A smartphone app can be used to convert speed once driving). The dash boasts an altimeter, voltmeter, and compass.

Super Exceed Niceties

The upper-end Super Exceed trim level has lots of bells and whistles and interior upgrades. The 4×4 van on eBay includes the sought-after Crystal Lite roof featuring automatic coverings and a standard sunroof.

Tip: Check for leaks around the gaskets when considering a Crystal Lite. Although the cabin is bright and airy, Crystal Lites are prone to localized rust or water leakage.

Crystal Lite roof

This Delica camper has a spacious, modular Tetris-like interior. There are several various ways to carry cargo. The rear-most seats can be stowed against the van’s walls (sans headrests). The center bucket seats are on tracks and can easily slide forward and backward. They lay flat for easy packing. Additionally, their seat bottoms can prop upright and be pushed against the front chairs. It can make an easy lay-on-the-floor two-person sleeping setup.

1995 Mitsubishi Delica Interior

Lastly, the middle seats swivel 180 degrees. Occupants can face backward or towards each other in the seated position. The kids will love it!

This Japanese-imported Delica van is in excellent shape. No leaks or problems were reported.

Keep this mind: These vehicles cannot be registered in California until brought into the state’s compliance. Check local regulations. You’ll likely need right-hand-drive export certificates, clean Japanese title, CBP FORMS 7501 and 3461, NHTSA HS-7, and EPA paperwork.

The small hassle of securing those documents will yield a big payoff in off-road adventures. The seller, JDM All Makes, has not yet received an opening bid for the 1995 Delica Super Gear. That’s an opportunity for Delica fans in the know. There aren’t many of us quite yet. The word is not out on these ultra-cool Japanese 4x4s that show up on fairly often on eBay.

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About the Author

Mercedes Lilienthal is an automotive journalist who writes regularly for publications like The New York Times, TREAD magazine, Expedition Portal, and more. Additionally, she and her husband founded and manage two automotive websites: Crankshaft Culture and Subcompact Culture. Mercedes’ freelance work includes writing, marketing services, and photography for various automotive-related clients.