Mitsubishi Colt Celeste (1974 – 1982) Review

The appealing-looking Celeste was little more than a three-door coupe version of the Lancer, replacing the original FTO (which we never saw in the UK). In effect, it was a rival to the four-cylinder Ford Capri, Opel Manta, and Toyota Celica, although it failed to catch-on in the way its rivals did, proving rare when new. The Celeste was offered in 1.4-, 1.6- and 2.0-litre form, but handling was far from sporting. Replaced by the Cordia in 1982 - and considered today to be a fringe and rather cult classic with a small but keen following.

In its home market, it was called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste, but it was also sold as the Chrysler Lancer in Australia, the Dodge Lancer Celeste in El Salvador, the Plymouth Arrow in the United States, and the Dodge Arrow in Canada. Today, it's a surprisingly sought-after by fans of Japanese cars from this era, which have now reached cool status thanks to the 'J-Tin' movement.