Lifted Mitsubishi Delica L300 Overland Minivan with Pajero 4WD

Our new feature is dedicated to a Mitsubishi Delica L300, an overland 4WD van built by a talented designer and carpenter from the beautiful island of Taiwan. He managed to convert this unique vehicle into a tiny luxury apartment on four mud-terrain wheels.

Since this distinctive van may not be familiar to a wide audience, we’ll take a closer look at its technical specifications, go over the key facts about this model, and dive right into the long list of overland upgrades that make this tough off-road van a real standout.

About The Model

So you’ve heard about the Pajero/Montero, right? It’s the legendary SUV that brought fame to Mitsubishi in the off-road world, especially after winning some of the world’s most challenging off-road competitions, such as the Paris-Dakar Rally.

In 1982, to capitalize on the success of their newly developed 4WD system, Mitsubishi decided to outfit their popular Delica minivans, which had been in production since 1968, with the Pajero’s four-wheel drive. This was done to provide a solid and reliable vehicle that could serve to transport passengers and cargo on roads with compromised traction.

Between 1987 and 1990, Mitsubishi offered the Delica L300 in limited quantities in the United States market, marketing the passenger versions as the “Wagon” and the windowless cargo variants as the “Van.” – Wikipedia

This boxy minivan with a spacious 7-seater interior that you see on the photos, is the 3rd generation of the Delica model, and it also features Mitsubishi’s famous four-wheel-drive system. This combination made it exceptionally popular among off-roading enthusiasts who needed more interior space and decent capabilities.

Thanks to it’s unique combinaiton of a 4WD and spacious minivan interior Delica model is still in production till this day! You may want to check our feature dedicated to a 4th Gen Delica overlander and our report from 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon to see more of these vehicles.

The Build

Off-road Mods

Being a fan of outdoor adventures who enjoys camping in the wild, it’s no surprise that Li Junhui selected a 3rd gen Delica L300 as the base for his project. To make it even more suitable for these kinds of activities, he outfitted it with basic off-road add-ons such as oversized 31″ x 10.5 R15 NK Conqueror M/T mud tires, a 2.5″ lift, body armor, and some other upgrades.

Exterior

Interestingly, select Delica L300s already come with cool enhancements such as a front grille guard, roof rack, and ladders in certain off-road packages, which look particularly good and contribute to the awesome 90s styling of the van. Another striking detail is the custom military-like grayish-green color which, in combination with black wheels and exterior accents, makes this van stand out.

Living Space

But as you might expect, the most interesting upgrades are located inside the van. Being a talented carpenter and electronics engineer, the owner has completely reimagined the interior space and converted it into a great-looking living unit with all the conveniences.

It features a well-equipped kitchen with a sink and gas burner, complemented by a convenient pull-out outdoor kitchen and prep slider. The van also boasts ample storage space with a dedicated cabinet, a comfortable bed, and a chair for relaxation. Climate control is provided by a parking air conditioner, ensuring a pleasant environment in any weather. To support off-grid living, the van is equipped with a 10-liter fresh water tank and a robust 420AH battery system, allowing for extended stays in remote locations without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Mods & Upgrades

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Conclusion

In conclusion, this 3rd generation Mitsubishi Delica L300, masterfully converted by Li Junhui, showcases the perfect blend of off-road capability and comfortable living space. The vehicle’s impressive off-road upgrades, combined with its well-designed interior, make it an ideal choice for adventurers who want to explore remote locations without sacrificing comfort.

Based on our off-road vehicle evaluation system we can conclude the following:

Off-road Capability Score: 55/70

With its unibody construction and a modest 2.5″ lift paired with oversized 31″ off-road tires (worth 30 points in our evaluation system), a low-range transfer case (+10 points), an LSD rear differential (+10 points), and body armor (+5 points), this Mitsubishi Delica L300 achieves an off-road capability score of 55 out of 70. While it may not be as capable as some purpose-built off-road vehicles, this van’s well-rounded upgrades make it a competent performer in a variety of off-road scenarios.

Complexity Level: Pro

The extensive custom work done to the interior, along with the carefully selected off-road upgrades, demonstrates a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes beyond most DIY builds. The harmonious integration of off-road performance enhancements and comfortable living space customization indicates a professional-level approach to this project, earning it a “Pro” classification in our system.

Budget: $$$$

Considering the cost of the high-quality components used in the off-road upgrades, combined with the significant investment in materials and labor required for the custom interior build, it’s clear that the owner has spared no expense in creating their ultimate adventure van.