Mitsubishi Pajero I (L040) photos

The first-generation Mitsubishi Pajero full-size SUV (L040 platform designation) was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981 and entered production in 1982. Built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis, it featured independent double-wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and a leaf-sprung solid rear axle. Body styles encompassed a short-wheelbase three-door (with canvas or metal top options) and a long-wheelbase five-door model. Engineering of the Pajero I (L040) (factory code L040) emphasized high structural rigidity, aerodynamic efficiency, and optimized interior spatial packaging. Built with reinforced body structures utilizing high-tensile steel alloys, the platform delivered reduced curb weight alongside improved occupant crash protection. The vehicle was distributed globally in multiple configuration packages designed to satisfy diverse market demands and regional regulatory specifications.

Engines included 2.0-liter (4G63), 2.6-liter (4G54), and 3.0-liter 6G72 V6 petrol engines, along with 2.3-liter (4D55) and 2.5-liter (4D56) turbodiesels. The 4WD system employed a part-time transfer case with low-range gearing and manual hub locks. In 1985, the Pajero achieved its first overall victory in the Paris-Dakar Rally. First-generation production concluded in 1991. The powertrain lineup incorporated efficient engine families paired with robust manual, automatic, or continuously variable transmissions depending on trim selection. Drivetrain engineering integrated advanced suspension tuning and traction management systems.