Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Mitsubishi Motors UK Announces Historic 50th Anniversary Vehicle Tour
As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has announced a vehicle tour to commemorate this milestone. The Golden Jubilee Tour is scheduled for Saturday, 21st September, featuring 50 vehicles supplied through Mitsubishi’s UK dealer network from 1974 to the present day.
Participants will gather at Mitsubishi Motors' UK headquarters in Watermoor, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The event will begin with a briefing and light breakfast before embarking on a 100-mile journey through the picturesque Cotswold countryside and its charming villages.
The tour will include several checkpoints at notable locations, concluding at Badminton House. Known for hosting the International Horse Trials, which Mitsubishi Motors sponsored for 25 years, participants will drive through the estate's grounds before finishing in front of the historic house.
The day will end with refreshments and a prize-giving ceremony where awards will be presented to the owners of winning cars in each category. Additional features include a commemorative finishers’ award and an official photographer. Stephen Blackburn, son of the late David Blackburn, co-founder of The Colt Car Company (now Mitsubishi Motors in the UK), will also attend.
A special award for the ‘best-dressed’ crew will be given, encouraging drivers and passengers to wear period-appropriate outfits matching their car's era. This event follows previous successful tours: the 40th Anniversary Tour in 2014 and the Centenary Tour in 2017.
Entries are open to owners of UK-specification Mitsubishi cars, LCVs, SUVs, and 4x4s. Interested participants can apply by completing an online form. Each application will be assessed for suitability and relevance to the event's spirit and criteria.
Mitsubishi vehicles were introduced in the UK at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in late 1974 by importer and distributor The Colt Car Company. This joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Colt Automotive Limited was led by David Blackburn. The well-specified and competitively priced cars quickly exceeded sales expectations.
Models such as the Celeste, Galant, Lancer, and Sigma were well received by both the public and motoring media. Sales grew rapidly to around 10,000 vehicles annually despite import quotas. The model range expanded with light commercial vehicles like the L200 pickup and L300 panel van, along with the iconic Shogun.
Recent Developments
Sales increased to 30,000 and then 40,000 units annually after quota restrictions ended. The brand saw further success with the introduction of the Outlander PHEV hybrid. Although vehicle sales ceased in the UK in Autumn 2021, Mitsubishi maintains an active aftersales business with a network of 110 dealers.
In 2021, International Motors Group took over the aftersales franchise. Recognising its heritage and loyal following, the company is pleased to celebrate Mitsubishi’s 50th Anniversary in the UK with the Golden Jubilee Tour.
Continue with Google