Rarity from Japan: Rare Mitsubishi Flying Pug to be auctioned in the USA

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – While the Mitsubishi Pajero is about to make a comeback, one of its most unusual variants ever will go under the hammer in September 2026 in Nashville (USA). It is called the Mitsubishi Flying Pug and could easily claim the title as one of the strangest cars ever produced. The name says it all: Flying Pug.

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The Flying Pug was deliberately meant to represent something completely different within the Mitsubishi range: an off-road vehicle in retro style for the Japanese domestic market. However, the Japanese company Mitsuoka, known for its retro conversions, was not involved in the conversion.

The Flying Pug was the third special edition of the Pajero Junior and was produced from September 1997 to June 1998. Its design was inspired by classic British automobiles. The manufacturer planned to build 1,000 units, hoping to convince as many customers. However, things turned out quite differently.

In the end, only 139 vehicles of the flying pug were sold. Far too few to save this failed design experiment, at least measured by the very modest sales figures. The technology, however, was quite solid.

The Flying Pug was based on the Mitsubishi Pajero Junior, a small off-road vehicle that was sold exclusively in Japan between 1995 and 1998. The Junior, in turn, was the larger version of the Minica, a Kei car that was built from 1962 and ended its run only in 2007 after eight generations.

Photo series: Mitsubishi Flying Pug

Compared to the Minica, the Pajero Junior had a larger engine as it was not subject to the strict Kei car regulations: 1.1 liters displacement and 59 kW (80 hp), combined with a 3-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. That was enough at the time and sufficient to move the small off-road vehicle adequately.

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And here comes the Flying Pug into play. Because while the Junior formally corresponded to the other Mitsubishi models of that time, its extravagant sister looked like a London taxi with two fewer doors. Or from the front like a modern Fiat Topolino.

The ground clearance corresponded to that of a typical off-road vehicle, everything else was extraordinary. And apparently a bit too extraordinary. Standard equipment included air conditioning, electric windows, disc brakes, car radio, tinted rear side windows, alloy wheels, and foldable rear seats.

Now one of the 139 units is looking for a new owner. Would you dare to place a bid?

A small Japanese off-road vehicle in retro style:
This Suzuki Jimny by Damd is a miniaturized Ford Bronco
The Suzuki Jimny mutates into the old Mercedes G

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