If there’s one car that defined the 1980s, it has arguably got to be the Mitsubishi Lancer “Boxtype”. From its wedge-shaped design, to its engine, interior, and mechanicals, this car was the epitome of everything that the decade stood for.
Yet it wasn’t just about its design that started a whole trend. Nor was it the engineering that has somehow withstood the test of time (as you still see Lancer boxtypes running even today). This car actually has a rich history and connection with the Filipino people. When every other carmaker fled the country after the Aquino assassination of 1983 and the economic crisis that followed, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines—then known as Canlubang Automotive Resources Corporation (CARCO)--soldiered on, along with its erstwhile Lancer.
This practically made the model the only brand new car being sold at the time. But beyond this, there is something about the boxtype that appeals to a wide audience. It looked right at home as a family car, ferrying the kids to school and the wife to the grocery store, with its 1400cc motor.. It likewise appealed to the more sporty set, particularly the GSR and GT variants that came with a more potent 1600cc mill and five-speed manual transmission. There was even a three-speed automatic for those that wanted the convenience that this configuration offered.
Either way, the Lancer boxtype was literally the people’s car of the 1980s. And it may pretty well be the car that transcended the era—as Lancer boxtypes are still being restored even today. Proof of its longevity is this writer’s brother-in-law, whose family owned a boxtype from the original date of purchase in 1982 up until late 2001, passing it on from father to son, with the latter using it as his first car when he got married. And when he had to sell it due to practical reasons, the car was still running after 19 fruitful years of service.
As if that wasn’t amazing, Ian Ramos, an old-school aficionado, still has a pristine 1987 Lancer GT, which he uses as his weekend warrior. The car, which he bought from his father-in-law around three years ago, has only run some 70,000 original kilometers and still has the period correct parts intact. He even kept the owner’s manual in mint condition. And the only things done to the car were a re-spray of the hood, a change to the more efficient breakerless distributor, and a few period-correct accessories. Other than these, it’s as good as showroom stock.
This is the timeless appeal of the Mitsubishi Lancer boxtype. It’s one of those cars that will live on in the hearts and garages of Filipinos for decades to come.
Photos courtesy of Ian Ramos
