100-Year Old Mitsubishi Model A To Be Re-Created Into Plug-In Hybrid

West Coast Customs will re-create a Mitsubishi Model A with its original, century-old looks, albeit with a modern, advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain and a host of modern technology. The California-based shop will re-create the Model A on the platform of the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

"We're proud to be a 100-year-old brand with a rich heritage in the automotive landscape," said Francine Harsini, senior director, marketing at Mitsubishi Motors North America.

He added, "The Mitsubishi Model A is the vehicle that paved the way for many other unique and exciting models over the years, and we're excited to re-design it with West Coast Customs,"

"The Mitsubishi Model A will feature all the distinctive aspects of the 1917 vehicle, but will be built on the PHEV platform and offer the latest in automotive technology," he further said.

In 1917, the Mitsubishi Model A was the first car ever to be embellished with the three-diamond emblem when launched in Japan. The Model A marked the beginning of a global automotive company that has now traversed a century of technological innovation.

West Coast Customs CEO and Founder, Ryan Friedlinghaus said, "We are incredibly honored to have been chosen to take on this iconic build for Mitsubishi that celebrates the centennial anniversary of the company's first mass produced vehicle."

He added, "It is an incredibly exciting opportunity to be able to integrate the history of the original Mitsubishi Model A with the technology of current-day Mitsubishi vehicles to recreate the Mitsubishi Model A."

He further said, "Team members in every department of West Coast Customs are super excited to be involved with this build - truly a piece of automotive history."

The Outlander PHEV is a perfect culmination of Mitsubishi's history of automotive excellence. The Outlander features a highly efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine along with two high-performance electric motors. Additionally, it boasts of Mitsubishi's superior Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.