By the year 2011, Mitsubishi’s glide towards obscurity was quite evident, overshadowed by the prominence of the Lancer Evolution. Even in a thriving market, it would have struggled to compete with the likes of Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. However, amid a global economic downturn, Mitsubishi’s chances dwindled significantly. With declining sales of its Eclipse sports coupe, Mitsubishi decided to discontinue the model, stopping short of reaching a million units produced. To mark the end, they released a one-off model, accompanied by photography that lacked passion and skill.
Recently highlighted on Twitter by Steven Ewing from “Roadshow” after a hiatus of over nine years, the photos of the final Eclipse ever manufactured showcase a unique combination of the Eclipse GT’s 3.8-liter, 265-horsepower V6 engine fused with the upscale SE package. The images depict the car being unceremoniously transported to a pond near the Illinois factory of its origin (now Rivian’s headquarters). Rather than entrusting the photography to a professional to pay homage to the once-iconic car from Mitsubishi’s lineup, the images were captured by someone seemingly indifferent to the process.
The composition of the shots appeared hastily done, with little regard for the framing or background. In one image, a concrete culvert can be seen in the backdrop, while in another, the grain elevators located a mile north of the factory are visible.
The identity of the indifferent photographer remains a mystery. According to The Drive, when approached for comment, a representative from Mitsubishi disclosed that the images predated their team’s involvement. The origin of the images suggests that the photos might have been taken by the auction house responsible for selling the car. In September 2011, Mecum facilitated the sale of the car, with proceeds benefitting the Japanese Red Cross during the aftermath of the Tōhoku earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Although Mecum and Mitsubishi raised $35,000 for a noble cause, the amount paled in comparison to the $2.7 million garnered from the final front-engined Chevrolet Corvette auction. The story raises questions about the underwhelming sale price of the last Eclipse, the lackluster photo session, and the value placed on a fourth-generation Eclipse. While its aesthetics may have aged gracefully, its performance is likened to a Thanksgiving turkey left forgotten on the kitchen counter.
Have a lead? Drop us a line: tips@thedrive.com
