THE Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series were among the most loveable bad boys of pure driving excitement in the mid 2000s.

And of the 10 Lancer Evolution models ever made, the IX MR360 lays claim to being one of the maddest and well-loved of them all.

It terms of performance it was a true giant killer with power emanating from the same engine that powered all Lancer Evolutions, namely the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit. But in the MR360 it was heavily reworked to give true stonking performance.

A revised turbo with titanium and aluminium alloy fins was fitted, as was a smaller compressor inlet diameter, the latter giving improved engine response right across the rev range.

The Evolution range was especially popular in the UK and for good reason, the UK version of the IX 360 gained quite a few extra treats including a remapped engine-management ECU, and HKS tuning kit and added better induction pipes for improved airflow and a ‘Super-Dragger' exhaust system that had a sports catalyst fitted.

All of this added up to a rocket of a car that get to 60mph in under four seconds and go on to a top speed of 157mph.

But, like many good and desirable things it was only made is a small quantity. Only 200 rolled off the line and they came with a distinctive shark- tooth vortex generator on the rear of the roof, a little like the device we see on aircraft wings.

There was also a carbon fibre front lip spoiler and 17-inch Speedline alloys, all for an on the road price of £35,539.

This car, with its massive rear spoiler was in a class of its own. Even now it is spoken of in hushed terms of reverence.