Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi since 1973. It has been known as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and has been sold as the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis in Japan since 2007. It has also been sold as Mitsubishi Lancer Fortis in Taiwan with a different facelift than the Galant Fortis. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza. The Lancer derives its name from the term given to a soldier of cavalry regiment armed with a lance.

Between its introduction in 1973 and 2008, over six million units had been sold. According to Mitsubishi, there were nine generations of development before the current model.

1973–1979

The first Lancer (A70) was first launched in February 1973. It served to fill the gap between the Minica kei car and the larger Galant. The sporting 1600 GSR model began the Lancer's long and successful rally history, winning the Safari Rally twice and the Southern Cross Rally four times.