This Is A Real Pajero From Mitsubishi. For Real

Among the more unusual creations to emerge from Mitsubishi’s design studios is a Pajero Jr. that has been restyled to resemble a classic 1950s London taxi. This is not a concept or a custom build from an aftermarket shop—it is a genuine factory-backed model that rolled out of the factory wearing a distinctly retro face. For enthusiasts of the Pajero nameplate, this quirky little machine stands as one of the strangest things the Japanese automaker ever produced.

The vehicle in question is based on the Pajero Jr., a kei-class SUV that Mitsubishi sold in Japan during the 1990s. That model was already a smaller, more city-friendly version of the full-size Pajero, but the taxi-inspired variant took it in a completely different direction. With its upright grille, round headlamps, and two-tone paint, it traded the rugged off-road look for the charm of a vintage London cab. It remains a rare collector’s item today.

For Saudi buyers, the Pajero name carries decades of heritage as a tough, go-anywhere SUV. However, this particular model never reached the Saudi market. The Pajero Jr. occupied a segment below the full-size Pajero and even the Pajero Sport, competing against small SUVs and kei cars that were mostly confined to Japan. Rivals sold in the Kingdom, such as the Suzuki Jimny or the smaller SUVs from Chinese brands, offer a similar compact footprint but without the retro London-taxi styling.

Shoppers interested in this oddity should watch for authenticity and condition. Because it was never officially exported, any example found in Saudi Arabia would likely be a grey-market import. Parts availability could be challenging, and the unique body panels may be difficult to replace. Nevertheless, for collectors who value automotive eccentricity, this real Pajero from Mitsubishi is a conversation starter like no other.