Andy Lilienthal holds a passion for Mitsubishi automobiles. Alongside his spouse Mercedes, they possess a 1991 Pajero XP, a 1992 XR-II Pajero, a 1994 Delica Space Gear, and a 2017 Mitsu Mirage affectionately named “The Rage.” They once owned a 1989 Delica Star Wagon, which they considered sluggish and not the Delica they truly desired. Fortunately, fate intervened.
Lilienthal advertised on the Delica Forum, catching the attention of Kellyn Karr, the forum’s admin, who informed him about a different Delica up for sale. This particular one happened to be a 1994 Space Gear—a diesel, manual van. The Lilienthals pondered over acquiring the Space Gear, and upon learning its location, they exchanged knowing glances. It resided in Florida, a considerable distance from their residence in Portland, Oregon.
Across the nation. In the midst of a pandemic.
A plan was necessary, and drawing from their experience as cross-country rally participants, they devised one. Establishing a schedule, the couple secured one-way tickets to Tampa, Florida, then proceeded to rent a car and drive to Ft. Myers, which was a few hours away. After inspecting the Delica, they put on medical gloves, completed the paperwork, all in a COVID-safe manner.
Mercedes Lilienthal
What was it about this specific Delica that drew their interest? Uncommonly, it featured the diesel-manual transmission duo within that body styling. Unlike their homestead 1989 Star Wagon, the 1994 model boasted more speed (“This one is akin to a Shetland pony, whereas the older one was more of a turtle,” quipped Mercedes). Moreover, it flaunted what their new owners described as the enchanting hue: teal.
Mitsubishi’s Delica—pronounced de-lick’-uh or del’-i-ca but never de-leek’-uh, as affirmed in a comprehensive discussion on the Delica Forum —Space Gear had only recently become permissible in the United States, now that many have crossed the 25-year age threshold. Introduced in the late 1960s, the Delica originated from a cabover van and pickup truck sharing the same name. The Delica Space Gear rolled out in 1994, adopting the shortened moniker Space Gear in Europe. JDM enthusiasts, van aficionados, and adventurers revere this model for its eccentricity, off-road prowess, durability, and propensity for sporting an array of quirky add-ons.
The couple visited relatives who had relocated from Germany to New Zealand in 2016, affording them their initial Delica voyage.
“It’s such a peculiar and surreal vehicle; you’re positioned right atop the engine,” remarked Mercedes. “Upon our return, we made a pact to hunt for one and ascertain if we truly had a penchant for vans.”
Mercedes Lilienthal
Months later, they stumbled upon a white 1989 Delica available for sale at a nearby dealership. After scrutinizing its undercarriage for rust, they brought it home.
“I felt like a child glimpsing a Lamborghini for the first time,” chuckled Andy. “Driving it was an entirely different experience; it marked my maiden voyage in a forward-control vehicle. The L300 Star Wagon resembles a VW Vanagon; you sit way upfront, accompanied by this low-power diesel engine. It putters along, emitting turbo whirrs, yet flaunting this futuristic ’80s appearance as though plucked from a cheesy sci-fi flick of that era.”
But do not refer to this as a minivan. Predominantly favored in its four-wheel drive rendition,The Delica came in a remarkable array of trim levels and variations, offering a multitude of engine options, wheelbases, roof setups, and special edition choices. It’s not a speedster, with likenesses drawn by the Lilienthals to a 4×4 armadillo. In contrast, the more modern Space Gear boasts significantly more power.
“Numerous Delica Star Wagons brought into North America are equipped with one of two engines,” shared Andy. “Our model was powered by the 2.5-liter 4D56 non-intercooled turbodiesel engine, producing around 86 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the Space Gear is outfitted with a 2.8-liter intercooled 4M40 turbodiesel engine, delivering 140 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.”
He rattles off these details like a genuine enthusiast, almost as if imparting his own height and weight figures.
Mercedes Lilienthal
If you’re seeking parts for one of these vans, Andy recommends cross-referencing the chassis code since the VIN won’t help. The Delica shares many elements with the Mitsubishi Montero, Mitsubishi Mighty Max, and Mitsubishi Van imported to the U.S. Delica USA offers a parts repository, and the Delica Forum community is eager to assist. Driving a Delica may feel unusual to those unfamiliar with a forward-control vehicle or who lacked a huge Chevrolet van in childhood. Getting in might be slightly awkward as you’re perched over the wheels, but the visibility is outstanding. In the Delica, you must wait for the glow plugs to warm the cylinder interiors, then engage the engine for the turbo-diesel mill to start.
What makes the L300 intriguing is its mid-engine layout, requiring one to lift both front seats to access the engine. While driving or riding shotgun, you’re essentially atop the powertrain. But that’s not all. This unique van could come equipped with the Cool Box, a 12-volt refrigerator/freezer nestled between the front seats, or even a Delica with a built-in karaoke system. Naturally.
Mercedes Lilienthal
Actively engaged in off-road competitions, the Lilienthals recently participated in the Alcan 5000, a 5,000+ mile venture in subzero temperatures plunging to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They piloted their 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero in the Historic Class, securing accolades such as Finisher, Arctic, Go Farther, and Second in Class. Both are adept mechanics, a prerequisite when owning a classic vehicle, especially for competitions in regions like the Arctic Circle.
“If you decide to get a van like a Delica, you must be adept at handling tools,” mentioned Andy Lilienthal. “You’ll need to learn to swap components and perform minor tasks. This isn’t a 2012 Toyota Sienna; it’s a centuries-old Japanese van never officially sold here.”
Mercedes Lilienthal
Prepared for their next off-road journey, the Lilienthals have enhanced their Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear with various upgrades since July, including new BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, front winch bumper, skid plate, rear bumper, and swing-away tire/jerry can carrier from Coastal Offroad, Long-Range Automotive Australian tank acquired from Long Range America, aftermarket auxiliary and fog lights from Lightforce USA, and a Warn Zeon 8-S winch with Epic fairlead and winch hook. Most installations were carried out by Wanderlust Overland.
Each outing brings a fresh set of admirers to the TBD (travel by Delica) Tractor, the moniker given to the 1994 Space Gear.
Mercedes Lilienthal
“During the past week, we had to complete several tasks. At every parking area, individuals emerged from the establishments to observe it,” Andy expressed. “They were curious about its identity and asked if they could inspect the interior.”
Mercedes added, “I always advise individuals that if you decide to acquire a Delica, be prepared for constant discussions about it. We visited an automotive parts store, and the attendant at the counter inquired, ‘Is that yours? What type of vehicle is it?’ after which he proceeded to capture 10 images of it.”
The Space Gear possesses height, a top-heavy structure, and necessitates acclimation to operating from the right-hand side. Nevertheless, it undeniably exudes individuality. Therefore, if you tend towards introversion and dislike conversing with others, a Delica may not align with your preferences. However, following a post-coronavirus era, you might welcome the chance to engage in conversation with a stranger in a parking lot.
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