On 21 September 2024, Mitsubishi Motors UK marked a significant milestone—its 50th anniversary—by hosting the highly anticipated Golden Jubilee Tour. This celebratory event brought together 50 iconic Mitsubishi vehicles, each representing one of the five decades of the brand’s presence in the UK. Held at Watermoor Point in Cirencester, the headquarters of Mitsubishi Motors UK, the event celebrated not just the vehicles but the enduring loyalty of Mitsubishi enthusiasts.
The day’s festivities were led by Mitsubishi Motors UK’s Managing Director, Toby Marshall, and Head of MMUK, Sharon Townsend, with a special guest appearance by Jack Morris-Marsham, one of the original founders of The Colt Car Company, which later became Mitsubishi Motors in the UK. Attendees were treated to a warm welcome, starting with a complimentary breakfast before a briefing on the day’s rally, which began at 9 am.
The rally itself spanned nearly 100 miles, offering participants the opportunity to explore the picturesque Cotswolds countryside. The journey was meticulously planned, with several stops at notable locations, including the famous Prescott Hill Climb, a lunch break at the Four Alls public house, and a visit to the Classic Motor Hub at Bibury. The rally culminated at Badminton House, a fitting conclusion given Mitsubishi’s 28-year sponsorship of the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials.
In true rally tradition, each team had their route books stamped at designated checkpoints along the route, and every participant who completed the rally was awarded a prize. A highlight of the event was the vehicle judging, with trophies presented by Mr. Morris-Marsham. The competition was fierce, with winners across a range of categories. The prestigious Best Overall Vehicle award went to Alister Scott, whose 1999 Shogun MK2 2.8 GLS, complete with an original Mitsubishi cherished number plate, stole the show.
Special recognition was given to Luke Hulse, who drove over 350 miles from Scotland to participate, earning him the Spirit of the Event award. Alister Scott’s immaculate Shogun MK2, meanwhile, impressed the judges enough to claim the top prize of the day.
The event also offered an opportunity for the Mitsubishi community to come together and celebrate the shared history of the brand. Stephen Blackburn, son of The Colt Car Company founder David Blackburn, was on hand to thank the attendees, praising the passion and dedication of those who brought their vehicles to the event. He also took the opportunity to announce the launch of The Colt Car Club at the upcoming Classic Motor Show at the NEC in November. This new club will offer Mitsubishi and Colt enthusiasts a central platform to share their love for the brand, with plans for annual events similar to the Golden Jubilee Tour.
Reflecting on the day, Sharon Townsend, Head of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, expressed her pride in the event, stating: “This event was a fantastic way to celebrate 50 years of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK. The brand still has a very loyal and passionate customer and owner base, and to celebrate this event with such devoted brand enthusiasts was very rewarding.”
The passion among attendees was palpable, with one participant commenting on the emotional impact of seeing Mitsubishi vehicles spanning decades assembled in one place: “For me personally, I did find it quite emotional seeing all of these Mitsubishi cars from all the decades come together in Cirencester, something I maybe thought would never happen again, it really was for me a very special day.”
The Golden Jubilee Tour was a resounding success, not just in celebrating Mitsubishi’s half-century in the UK, but also in reaffirming the loyalty and enthusiasm of the brand’s community. The event was a fitting tribute to Mitsubishi’s rich history and a nod to its bright future, as plans for further community events and gatherings are already in the works.
As Phillip Chryssikos, the proud owner of a 1990 Galant and winner of the Best Hatchback category, put it: “Congratulations to you and all involved in organising such a memorable occasion! I’m still over the moon that my 1990 Galant won your Best Hatchback honour. Thank you all for staging a fantastically magical event.”
