Description
Mitsubishi introduced the long-wheelbase version of the first generation of the Pajero/Montero in 1983, thus creating one of the most legendary SUVs on the market.
The Japanese carmaker launched the Pajero/Montero lineup with a short wheelbase in October 1981, but that was not good enough for families or for those who wanted to go off-roading. Thus, in 1983, the Japanese carmaker added the long wheelbase to the lineup.
Sharing its most underpinning with its smaller brother, the 5-door Pajero/Montero was built on a chassis and featured a squared-looking design. Its front fascia was flat, and the black grille was completed by a pair of round headlights and corner-mounted blinkers and parking lights. While it shared the front doors with its sibling, the long-roof version was fitted with an additional set of doors for the rear passengers. At the back, the five-door version received a side-hinged door.
Inside, the minimalist design continued on the dashboard with a flat panel and a grab-handle on the passenger side. The instrument panel offered two dials and two gauges, each in an individual cluster. Even though the center stack was a new interior item for cars, the Pajero/Montero featured one for the ventilation unit and the stereo. Unlike its smaller-sized sibling, the 5-door version offered enough room in the back for three passengers. Moreover, the carmaker also offered an option for two jump-seats in the trunk.
The body-on-frame construction made the Pajero a trustworthy partner in harsh off-road situations. Under the hood, Mitsubishi installed diesel and gasoline engines depending on the market. All of them sent the power to a 4WD system with a low-range transfer box. At the front, the car featured independent suspension, while in the back, Mitsubishi installed a live axle.
