Mitsubishi Eclipse (1998) – Into the Wild

The new Mitsubishi ASX is a Renault Captur, the Colt a Clio and the name Eclipse is attached to an SUV. The 2023 Mitsubishi is a lot different than it once was, at least in Europe. That is why we spontaneously become a bit melancholy when we see this nice Eclipse from 1998. A convertible, that is, which looks extra striking with its red paint. It still looks pretty neat and relatively original. That is certainly not a given with relatively accessible sports cars from that period. With that, this Eclipse scores bonus points.

With its interplay of lines, such a second-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was more Japanese than its predecessor, which looked a bit American because of the collaboration with Chrysler. After all, there were also American brothers in the form of the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser. This second Eclipse only had the Eagle Talon as an American cousin, the Plymouth Laser was no longer present. Under the skin, the American influence was still clearly noticeable, because the 2.0 four-cylinder in the nose of the Eclipse came from Chrysler and you could also get it here in the PT Cruiser, Sebring, Neon and in the Dodge Avenger. In the open Eclipse, however, was a Mitsubishi engine, a 141 hp 2.4. He also has the copy in the photos.

The Eclipse has been with its current owner for over four years now, about as long as the previous owners averaged. So the togetherness is about to end again? With the weather at the moment – and a few more summer months ahead – we would at least keep it for a while. Incidentally, here we see the title of a popular pop hit from the 1980s with an unhealthy dose of fantasy: the Eclipse obscures our view of a Cuore (Italian for ‘heart’). If you look at the Eclipse from the side, you will almost have to deal with one total eclipse of the heart. Our sincerest apologies for this prank.