The First Colt/Mitsubishi Day at the British Motor Museum
22 July 2026
Even when new, the Mitsubishi Galant Saporro was an exclusive sight. £12,999 in 1987 gained you a four-door sports saloon with a 127 bhp ‘Big Four’ 2.4-litre engine, anti-skid braking, and optional Electronic Ride Control. The proud owner further benefitted from a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, an electrically powered sliding roof, windows and door mirrors, central locking, and adjustable steering.
The Galant Sapporo was to appeal to former Starion owners who now had family commitments, and to add lustre to the various Cordias, Lancers and Space Wagons in your local Mitsubishi showroom. Your friendly local dealer might also tell you that it was cheaper than an Audi 90 at £13,994, a BMW 325i Four-Door at £15,490 or a Mercedes-Benz 190E at £14,960.
I recall being rather taken with the Galant Sapporo’s frameless side windows and purposeful stance, but I can barely remember seeing any on the road. However, on Sunday, the 5th of July, you will be able to encounter this incredibly rare example, as the Colt Car Club is holding its first Colt/Mitsubishi Day at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon. Space is booked for up to 100 Colts (as they were sold in the UK between 1974 and 1984) and Mitsubishis. The Club’s Ambassador, Sarah Crabtree, will judge the ‘best in show’, presenting a trophy to the winner.
Such a display is a testament to the efforts of Stephen Blackburn, the Colt Car Club’s founder, and the members who devote so much time and enthusiasm to keeping these fascinating vehicles on the road.
Stephen’s press release highlights that “So far a mix of 3000GTs, Carismas, Celestes, Colt hatch backs, FTOs, Galants, Lancers, Shoguns, Sigmas, Space Stars, Starions and more are booked to attend". There will also be no less than three examples of the Colt Sigma Mk 1 saloon - a car that fascinated my eight-year-old self, as the 2000GLX version was so well-appointed that it even had a reclining rear seat.
48 years later, I would not say “no” to a Sigma 2000GLX. Or, indeed, a Galant Sapporo.
With thanks to Stephen Blackburn for his time.
With thanks to Stephen Blackburn for the use of the images in this blog.