Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact automobile built by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. It has been sold in various countries as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage, and formed the basis of numerous Proton models in Malaysia.

1973

The Lancer (LA series in Australia, where it was called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer initially) was first launched in 1973 and proved to be particularly successful in rallies, a claim that it retains today. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had its keicar, the Minica, and the mid-size Galant, so it made sense to have a compact to fill the gap in the growing Japanese concern. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a 1200 cm³ basic sedan to the powerful 1600 GSR model.

Celeste

In 1975, the Lancer was complemented by an attractive hatchback coupé called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (plain Mitsubishi Celeste or Colt Celeste in some markets; it was the Chrysler Lancer Coupé in Australia and the Plymouth Arrow in the United States), and sold with 1400 and 1600 cm³ options. The exterior design was reminiscent of the Renault 17. (It was not renewed within the Lancer range, its role taken over in 1982 by the Mitsubishi Cordia coupé.)

Facelift and exports

A facelifted Lancer followed soon after, called the LB series in Australia (and without the Valiant tag). It was this series that emerged in the United States as the Dodge Colt for the 1977 model year, taking over from a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.

1979

In 1979, the new Lancer EX (the EX tag was not used for all export markets) débuted. The EX series included, from 1980, a turbocharged 1800 cm³ model. Stylistically, the boxy, angular look replaced the "coke bottle" of the LAs and LBs.