Perhaps the most accomplished Evo ever, 1 of 35 examples specially enhanced by Mitsubishi to be a UK-market only model; 403bhp, 387lb ft, 0-62mph in 3.8sec, just a single owner and only 7,600 miles.

The Evo X is likely to go down in history – because since production stopped in 2016, Mitsubishi no longer sells a successor and, in fact, the brand has pretty much pulled out of the UK market altogether. Buy an Evo X, and you’re buying the ultimate evolution of one of the greatest performance car series ever.

In many respects, the Lancer Evo X was a bigger step on from its predecessor than any other model in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series. For the first time, there was an entirely new engine, with the internal code 4B11T. Like previous Evos the unit was still a 2.0-litre, turbocharged inline four, but the cylinder block was cast aluminium rather than cast iron. It was 12kg lighter as a result, used a timing chain rather than a belt, and featured MIVEC valve-timing for both intake and exhaust valves, rather than just the intake.

The raw statistics alone are impressive – 403bhp, 387lb.ft, and 0-62mph in 3.8sec – Car Magazine said: “This is the best Evo X; it is quantifiably better – not just faster – than every other Evo X, and quite possibly the best Evo ever.”

All FQ-400 Evo X cars started life as FQ-360s (and were registered as such) before being enhanced by Mitsubishi-appointed tuning companies and each FQ-400 had to be registered through an SVA/IVA Type Approval scheme due to the modifications. The engine output was now 201.7bhp per litre (which was, in 2010, thought to be a world record for a production car) thanks to high-flow fuel injectors, a new hybrid turbo (that’s specially strengthened to deal with the faster turbine speeds and higher temperatures), upgraded intercooler, and re-mapped engine management.

But the area where New Zealand-based WRC Developments (responsible, along with Ecutek, for the whole UK FQ line-up) has made the biggest difference is in the suspension which now featured new Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs. Track widths are up 20mm front and rear, and the whole body sits 30mm lower, those are big shifts, and they make a big difference. The brakes too, Alcons replacing the previous Brembos, are mightily impressive and are easier to modulate in the first inch of travel.

The exterior was not neglected either with a redesigned bonnet, lightweight front bumper, restyled composite rear bumper, a trapezoidal centre-exit exhaust and lightweight 18-inch wheels.

The car presented here is a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400, having covered just 7,600 miles from new with its one and only owner. It’s number #17 of 35 examples specially enhanced by Mitsubishi to be a UK-market only model. Offered to auction from the revered Mayo Collection, this is an exceptional car, remaining factory-standard. Looking suitably purposeful in Phantom Black (1 of only 6 FQ-400 examples in this colour), it was supplied new through Mitsubishi dealership, Colt Cars UK Ltd., in 2010 and was first registered on the 1st March. It’s accompanied by its handbooks and sales brochure, as well as a large history portfolio. Its original owner, a collector of some notable cars, sadly passed away last year, and ownership passed to his sister who hasn’t even driven the car and now lives overseas. Iconic Auctioneers welcome any inspection of this limited production ‘supercar with four doors’, you will not be disappointed – it is quite possibly the best example of its type available.