For sale: 1990 (Z16A) GTO / 3000 GT Mitsubishi
Specifications
The W140 series was the first Mercedes model to incorporate every single Mercedes safety innovation in a single vehicle (Reference the Caribbean Bruno Sacco video where they state this). AT the time of launch, it was the safest mass production car in the world. On reflection, the W140 series was at points over 20 years ahead of its time in terms of features and performance of the vehicle to safety standards, which Mercedes had been working on since the introduction of the passenger safety cell concept since the 1950s.
We have not been able to obtain crash test results from Government assessment agencies for the W140, as the vehicle’s age pre-dates institutional testing such as that undertaken by the NIHS, EURONCAP, ANCAP and JNCAP. However, there is plenty of crash test information available for the cars, as Mercedes took it upon themselves to crash test the vehicles. Further, the age and now affordability of the W140s (particularly in sedan form), has meant that there are a number of videos out there actively demonstrating the vehicle’s safety in real world situations.
Some of the safety features incorporated into the C140 coupe include:
- Safety cell (heavily reinforced roof pillars and sill panels to ensure minimal deformation of the vehicle’s passenger cell. The image attached is believed to be the effect of a 40% offset crash of the 2-tonne C140 against a non-deformable barrier at 64 km/hour (thereby forcing the full weight of the vehicle to be absorbed by the crumple zone). This test is a heavier test that is undertaken today, where deformable barriers absorb part of the force in slowing the vehicle.
- Twin front airbags were standard on all models. Side airbags (thorax protection) were introduced in post-facelift models, with bags fitted to the door cards. No test results have been seen for the effectiveness / safety of the C140 in a side impact.
- Seat occupancy sensors were introduced at the same time as side airbags in 1996 (post-facelift).
- Electronic Stability Program was introduced on V12 models in 1995, and was optional on C140 vehicles from September 1995.
- Rain sensing wipers from update in 1996 as standard (Post-facelift);
- Auto dimming rear view and side mirrors + side mirrors heated for fog.
- Fog lamps front and rear.
- ABS brakes and EBD
- Speed sensitive steering,
Vehicle location
Australia , NSW , Sydney
There was nothing quite like the 90s when it came to Japanese coupes. Mitsubishi's contribution was the "GTO" (in some markets, referred to as the 3000 GT. These haven't quite taken off at Skyline GT-R prices, but have followed more the prices of high-spec 300ZXs.
We spotted this one on Facebook Marketplace n January 2023, at the time asking $18,000. It has around 230,000km on the clock, but unfortunately has an auto transmission.. Still reasonable value considering he prices asked for some other Japanese coupes of the era of similar spec. Unfortunately, the seller has not provided much of a description in the original ad, only noting that the car was unregistered, and had a new timing belt recently fitted.