The Mitsubishi Galant has a rich history in the American automotive market, transitioning from its early days as the Dodge Colt to becoming a standalone model from Mitsubishi Motors in 1985. Over the years, we’ve seen various iterations of the Galant, including the performance-oriented Sigma, VR-4, GS-X, and Ralliart models. Today, we focus on a unique find – the sporty eighth-generation Galant GTZ sedan, discovered in a North Carolina junkyard.
The early 1990s marked the end of the line for the high-performance all-wheel-drive VR-4 and GS-X Galants in the U.S. market. By 1998, new Galant models offered a 141-horsepower four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels. However, the 1999 model year brought a significant upgrade with the introduction of the 6G72 V6 engine in select Galant trims, including the GTZ-V6 model.
Equipped with a 161-horsepower and 205 pound-feet V6 engine, the 1999 Galant GTZ was designed to be sporty yet lacked some of the luxury features found in the LS model. This marked a significant shift for the Galant, positioning it as a true competitor to popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Notable updates for the 1999 Galant included a grille reminiscent of the upscale Diamante, reflecting a more refined design direction. With an initial MSRP of $24,300, the Galant was priced competitively against its Camry and Accord rivals, which offered more power but came with a higher price tag.
While the 1999 Galant may not be a sought-after collectible today, it remains an intriguing piece of automotive history. The introduction of the V6 engine and the sporty design of the GTZ model represented a significant milestone for the Galant in North America, solidifying its place in the midsize sedan segment.
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