好みの自動車デザイン：第46回ーー2ドア・クーペの系譜： 第26回【日本車・三菱編】 ミツビシ・ギャラン λ【ラムダ】、1976（ドミニカ・ブラウン・メタリック） 『北米名：ミツビシ・サッポロ？』Mitsubishi Garant λ【Lambda】 『Called Mitsubishi Sapporo！in the U.S.』

(写真撮影用模型:NEO社製、1/43レジン完成品、ミツビシ サッポロ【ギャラン・ラムダ】（ドミニカ・ブラウン）ーーー＞改造箇所:一度シャーシを分割して車軸、タイヤ位置を最適化）

好みの自動車デザイン：第46回ーー2ドア・クーペの系譜： 第26回【日本車・三菱編】 ミツビシ・ギャラン λ【ラムダ】、1976（ドミニカ・ブラウン・メタリック） 『北米名：ミツビシ・サッポロ？』Mitsubishi Garant λ【Lambda】 『Called Mitsubishi Sapporo！in the U.S.』

＃好みの自動車デザインーー2ドア・クーペの系譜：

第46回目の今回は、『2ドアクーペの系譜、第26回』と題しまして、各国のお国柄や、外観デザインの個性が強く表れる、高級2ドア（GT）クーペ / ロードスターについてお話ししてみたいです。【注意：オープンカーを含む】

以下の要領で進めていきます。

第26回の今回はいよいよ
【日本車・三菱編】としまして、

1976年発表の
ミツビシ・ギャラン λ（ドミニカ・ブラウン・メタリック）
についてのお話です。

【2ドア・クーペの系譜：目次】

＃ミツビシXクライスラー：日米協業が産んだ駿馬！

いよいよ始まりました、
三菱とクライスラーの協業・蜜月時代の奇跡の名車コーナーです。

今回と次回の2回連続でお送りします！

第001回：ミツビシ ギャラン・ラムダ、1984（ブラウン・メタリック）
第002回：ミツビシ エクリプス【4代目】、2007（オレンジ・メタリック）

1980年代初めから強化された三菱Ⅹクライスラーの協業関係が産んだ、小型2ドア・クーペとして生まれた、三菱ギャラン・ラムダは、クライスラーの北米販売網を通じて、

＊ダッジ・チャレンジャー
＊プリムス・サッポロ、

として大人気を博し、その後のエクリプスなどの
三菱のアメリカ市場におけるブランドの確立に大いに貢献しました。

個人的に
三菱 ギャラン・ラムダはTVCMや自動車雑誌を見て、
大興奮！

大のクルマ好きの父、弟と結託して、

＊市場イベントに行ったり、
＊カタログを穴のあくほど研究したりで、

大騒ぎしていました。
結局、イメージが少し派手すぎなことがあったり、
マツダに努める、叔父の顔を立てたりで、

中古の、マツダ・ルーチェを買う事になりました。泣（燃費が最悪で、半年で売り飛ばしました！）

ギャラン・ラムダには、

＊それまでの歴代ギャランの台形断面や、
＊デザイン世界トレンド最先端の面構成とプロポーションが

日本的な繊細さとアメリカンな大胆さが絶妙にバランスして、
なんとも言えない深い味わいを醸し出していました。

それではこんな感じで、
進めて行きます。

＊実車解説：独特なバター臭さが決め手、、、
＊外観デザインの特徴：
＊『私』とギャラン・ラムダ
＊三題噺：三代目ムスタング1979・札幌・アートセンター【ACCD】
＊その他のハンサムな協業車たち、、、

＊実車解説：独特なバター臭さが決め手！

三菱・ギャランΛ（ラムダ）は、

三面写真:

＃主要諸元：

＊外観デザインの特徴：端正な和製ネオ・クラッシックの魅力！

世界中に輸出され、
大成功を収めた三菱自動車の
傑作インターナショナル・デザイン、

『ギャラン・シグマ/ラムダ』兄妹、

その中でより、アバンギャルドな妹分に当たります、

我らが:ラムダ『λ』

そんな、『ラムダ』の外観デザインの特徴を
5個、独断と偏見で選んでみまし

それでは1つづつ
写真入りで解説します。

1：当時の世界最先端のデザイン潮流を他社に先んじて取り入れた、全身にみなぎる力強い、スラント面を強調した『ダイヤモンドカット』の直線基調のボディーランゲージの斬新さ

（ボディー造形を構成するすべての線に無駄がなく、それぞれが一糸乱れず、FRプロポーションの『動と静』のバランスを楽しく陽気なものにしています。具体的には、【分厚い胸＋水滴の流れ】がボディ下面の絶妙なスイープによって、さりげなく成り立っています。）

ーーー＞ダウンサイジング後のアメ車に比べても伸びやかさやプロポーションの生きの良さで負けてません！！

2：落ち着いて低く流れるルーフラインをタルガルーフ的に切り取るCピラーとそれを包み込むラップアラウンド・リアウィンドウの作り出すハーモニーの斬新さ

（当時のアメ車にありがちな、ゴチャッとしたCピラー回りの造作を、極めてシンプルかつ効果的に演出、後の豪華版（2600㏄版）ではこの部分をレザー仕様にして、高級感を更に上げてました）

――ーー＞今見てもため息が出るほど美しくまとまっています。

3：カッチリとした日本初の角形4灯のヘッドライトと、その周りの額縁グリル・デザインのおさまりの良さ。

（日本のラムダ、プリムス、ダッジ、オーストラリア版など各国版のフロントグリル周りのデザインに個性が出ています。）

4：格調と落ち着きに満ちたテイルライトライト周りのデザイン

ーーー＞高級感の演出に一役買ってます。

5：今に残るデザイン画稿や宣伝・広告素材を見るたびに感じる

ーーーー＞みなぎ溢れる、当時の三菱デザインの勢い

*『私』とギャラン・ラムダ：2度惚れの秘密とは？

小学生の頃、
家族で訪れた新車発表会で見た、

衝撃的な日本車！！
【ギャラン・λ】

結局父の心変わりから、
我が家にやってくることはありませんでしたが、、、

その後、月日がたち遠くアメリカ、ロサンゼルスの地で再開した、
ギャランラムダはかなり年季の入った出で立ちで、

名前も、【プリムス・サッポロ】と変化してました。

しかしながらその美しく引き締まった体躯に現われた艶やかさは健在で、
私の友が購入したラムダは、ベースモデルだったということもあり、

モ余分な脂肪がそぎ落とされ、

却って、
その素性の良さがはっきりわかりました。

そして今回の記事を書くにあたり見つけたのが、ネオ社の初期の傑作、1/43レジン完成品の『三菱・サッポロ』です。

＊NEO社製、1/43レジン完成品、三菱・ラムダ・sapporo（ブラウン・メタリック）

（NEO社創設から日の浅い2000年代の前半ごろ、初代ホンダ・プレリュードなどど同じ時期に発売になり、興味を持って観察していました、ドアの内張部分や『ピラーの裏側の厚み』も表現された、レジンボディーの成形が素晴らしく、今回入手後、経年変化で捲れかけた窓枠を修理し、車高を微調整したら、

－－－→長年探し続けた恋人と再開したようで、涙が出そうに嬉しかったです。）

それでは、
恒例になりました、

三題噺行ってみましょう！

＊三題噺：ムスタング1979・札幌・アートセンター【ACCD】

それでは今回も会場のお客様から頂きました、
難題を三つ

お題：

＊79年型、ムスタング
＊サッポロ
＊アートセンター【ACCD】

『AI；ジェミニ君』とのタッグにて、

何とか見事に、
落として見せましょう！

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むかしむかし、あるところに……なんてぇお決まりのト書きはいりません。ここはひとつ、『昭和カーデザイン寄席』にお付き合いを願います。
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本日の出し物は、1976年に彗星のごとく現れた初代「三菱ギャランラムダ」。この名車を、当時のデザイナーの視点からたっぷりと紐解いてまいりましょう。お題は事前にいただいた三つ、「1979年型（3代目）ムスタング」、  『プリムス・サッポロ』、そして名門「アートセンター・カレッジ・オブ・デザイン」。これらを盛り込みつつ、日米協業の美しき成功の歴史を語らせていただきます。

まずは一席、お付き合いを。

＊＊＊

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「いやぁ、熊さん、入っておくれよ。何をそんなにまじまじと、表に停めたあっしのラムダを見てるんだい？」
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「いやね、八っつぁん。おめえさんのあの車、いつ見ても惚れ惚れするねぇ。特にあの後ろのガラスだよ。ぐるりと回り込んで、柱が細くて、まるで宇宙船のキャノピーみたいじゃねえか」
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「おっ、そこに気がつくとは熊さん、おめえさんもなかなかの数寄者（すきしゃ）だね！ あの『ラップラウンド・リアウィンドウ』こそ、このラムダの外観デザインの命、ヘソってやつさ。当時としては信じられないくらいのなだらかな曲面ガラスを使っていてね、Ｃピラー（後ろの柱）を細く見せることで、クーペ特有の重たさを完全に消し去っている。あれはただのガラスじゃない、当時の日本のガラス成型技術と、デザイナーの執念が産んだ芸術品なんだよ」

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「へぇ、執念かい。だけどさ、全体のシルエットはどこか日本車離れしているっていうか、バタ臭いっていうか……アメリカの匂いがプンプンするなぁ」

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「そりゃそうさ。この初代ラムダはね、最初からアメリカ市場を強く意識して作られたんだ。当時の日本の三菱のデザイナーたちの中にはね、アメリカ・カリフォルニアの超名門、『アートセンター・カレッジ・オブ・デザイン』で最先端のカーデザインを学んできたエリートたちが何人もいたんだよ。あそこは世界の自動車デザインの梁山泊だからね。直線を基調にしながら、面の張りとエッジの効かせ方で魅せる。まさにアートセンター仕込みの『インターナショナルなモダニズム』が、このラムダの骨格には流れているのさ」

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「なるほどねぇ、だからあんなに垢抜けてるんだ。フロントの角型４灯ヘッドライトも、キリッとしていて男前だねぇ」

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「そう！ あの角型４灯ライトと、傾斜したスラントノーズの組み合わせがたまらないだろ？ それまでの日本車にありがちだった、クロームメッキをゴテゴテ盛った『コテコテの和風アメリカン』とはワケが違う。引き算の美学さ。サイドに走る一本のシャープなキャラクターラインが、そのままリアのテールランプまで綺麗に突き抜けている。無駄な飾りを削ぎ落として、プロポーション（体型）の美しさだけで勝負しているんだ」

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「だけど八っつぁん、内装もすごいや。さっきチラッと覗いたらさ、ハンドルが一本スポーク（１本だけの支柱）じゃないか。あれじゃあ、運転中にどこを握っていいか迷っちまうよ」

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「ははは、迷うこたぁねえよ！ あの１本スポーク・ステアリングホイールこそ、機構とデザインが融合したラムダの白眉（はくび）さ。メーター類の視認性を極限まで高めるための合理的な設計なんだ。しかも、ダッシュボードのスイッチ類は飛行機のコックピットみたいにドライバーを囲むように配置されている。外観が未来的なら、中身も未来のラグジュアリー。大人のパーソナルクーペってのは、こういうお洒落を言うんだよ」

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「機構といえばさ、見た目だけじゃなくて走りも静かって評判だよね？」

ｎ

「よく知ってるね！ 中身の機構（メカニズム）にも三菱の誇る大発明が詰まってる。直列４気筒の『アストロンエンジン』にはね、『サイレントシャフト』っていう２本のバランスシャフトが組み込まれているんだ。これが回転すると、４気筒特有の嫌な振動を互いに打ち消し合う。結果、Ｖ型８気筒エンジン並みの静粛性と滑らかさを実現したのさ。アメリカ人好みの『滑らかで静かなクルージング』を、日本の緻密なメカニズムが見事に支えたわけだね」

ｎ

「へぇ！ デザインも走りもアメリカ仕込み、だけど技は日本の職人肌。まさに日米のいいとこ取りだ」

ｎ

「その通り！ だからこそ、この車は海を渡ってアメリカでも大絶賛されたのさ。クライスラー社を通じて、向こうでは『プリムス・サッポロ』（Plymouth Sapporo）っていう、なんとも粋な名前で販売されたんだ。日本の高度経済成長の象徴である札幌オリンピックの記憶がまだ新しい時代に、日本のクールなクーペとしてアメリカの若者やインテリ層を虜にしたんだよ。アメリカのクライスラーがマーケティングと販売を担い、日本の三菱がデザインと製造を極める。これぞ『日米協業の美しい成功例』ってやつさ」

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「プリムス・サッポロかぁ。名前を聞くだけで、なんだか冷えてて美味そうな、じゃなかった、カッコいい車だねぇ。だけどさ、八っつぁん。その時代のツルッとしたモダンなデザインって、アメリカの本家にも影響を与えたんじゃないの？」

ｎ

「おっ、熊さん、今日は冴えてるねぇ！ その通り、ラムダが提示した『直線を基調としたクリーンでコンパクトなクーペ像』は、デカくて重いアメ車に疲れていたデトロイトの巨人たちに大きな衝撃を与えたんだ。その証拠にさ、ちょっと時計の針を３年ほど進めてごらん。1979年に登場した、あのアメリカの象徴である『1979年型3代目ムスタング』（通称マスタング・フォックスボディ）を見てみなよ。それまでのマッスルカー然としたゴツい姿から一転して、ラムダやサッポロのような、欧州風でクリーンな、直線基調のスマートなデザインに生まれ変わっただろ？」

ｎ

「ああっ！ 確かにあの３代目ムスタングは、四角いライトでシュッとしていて、どことなくラムダの雰囲気に似てる気がする！」

ｎ

「だろ？ 日本がアメリカの『アートセンター』からデザインの基礎を学び、それを独自の技術で磨き上げて『プリムス・サッポロ』としてアメリカへ恩返しする。すると今度はアメリカの伝統ある『ムスタング』が、そのクリーンなテイストを取り入れて進化する。これこそが、デザインを通じた日米の幸福なキャッチボール、大成功の協業ストーリーなんだよ。ラムダという車はね、ただの古い日本車じゃない。太平洋をまたいだデザイナーたちの情熱の架け橋だったのさ！」

ｎ

「いやぁ、深いねぇ……。デザインの歴史を聞いてたら、俺もなんだか胸が熱くなってきたよ。八っつぁん、その日米協業の結晶であるラムダ、俺にも一回運転させておくれよ！」

ｎ

「お安い御用さ、熊さん。キーはこれだ。だけどな、この車はアメリカでも日本でも、乗るだけで誰もがパッと笑顔になる、魔法のような車なんだから、運転するときは心してくれよ？」

ｎ

「へえ、乗るだけで誰もが笑顔に？ なんでだい？」

ｎ

「そりゃお前、日米がガッチリ手を組んで作った車だからね。アメリカの道でどんなに『クライする（クライスラー）』くらい困ったときでも、この日本の名車に『ミーツ（Meets／三菱）』すれば、道が開けて毎日が『ビシッ（三菱）』とハッピーになるのさ！」

ｎ

「なるほど！出会う（ミーツ）だけで毎日がビシッと決まるのか。そいつはまさに、日米協業の大・成・功だねぇ！」

 

＊＊＊

お後がよろしいようで。

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＊その他のハンサムな協業車たち、、、、

今回のラムダのように大成功した協業車を、
独断と偏見で揚げてみたいです。

＊シボレー・スパーク、2009＝大宇・マティス

（GM/大宇の協業車台三代目、大宇がGM傘下に入った後2950億ウォンを投じて開発され、全世界で大ヒット、後半に追加されたEV版の速さは、スパークの名に恥じないものだったそうです！
ーーー＞個人的にEV版をあと少しで買いそうになりました。笑）

＊BMW Z4, 2019=Toyota GR Supra, 2019

（同じシャーシを使いながら全く違った外見デザインを持った2車、かなりコンパクトで濃厚なデザイン＝スープラ、のびやかに大柄な＋Z4,

ーーー＞短命に終わった協業体制が残念です。）

人間社会の異人種間の国際結婚のような、協業車、
私自身も国際結婚をしていることもあってか、

いつも興味津々で見ております。

次回は三菱クーペ第2回、
4代目エクリプスに付いてお送りいたします。

お楽しみにーー

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Translated in English !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Photographic model: Manufactured by NEO, 1/43 scale resin ready-to-display model, Mitsubishi Sapporo [Galant Lambda] (Dominica Brown) ——> Modifications: The chassis was disassembled to optimize the axle and tire positions)

Favorite Car Designs: Part 46—The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes: Part 26 [Japanese Cars: Mitsubishi Edition] Mitsubishi Galant λ [Lambda], 1976 (Dominica Brown Metallic) “North American Name: Mitsubishi Sapporo?” Mitsubishi Galant λ [Lambda] “Called Mitsubishi Sapporo! in the U.S.”

#Favorite Car Designs—The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes:

For this 46th installment, titled “The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes, Part 26,” I’d like to discuss luxury 2-door (GT) coupes and roadsters, which strongly reflect the national character and unique exterior design styles of various countries. [Note: Includes convertibles]

We’ll proceed as follows.

In this 26th installment, we’ll finally move on to

[Japanese Cars: Mitsubishi Edition],

featuring the

Mitsubishi Galant λ (Dominica Brown Metallic),

released in 1976.

[The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes: Table of Contents]

[American Cars]

Episode 1: Cadillac El Mirage, 2013 (Metallic Red)

Episode 2: Lincoln Continental MK4, 1972 (Black)

Part 3: Mercury Cougar, 1967 (LT Metallic Green)

[German Cars]

Part 4: MB 500K Special Roadster, 1936 (Black)

Part 5: MB 300SL Roadster, 1957 (Silver)

Part 6: MB SLS AMR Gullwing, 2010 (Black)

[British Cars]

Part 7: McLaren F1, 1992 (Metallic Orange)

Part 8: Jaguar XKSS Roadster, 1957 (Royal Blue)

Part 9: Jaguar XKR Coupe, 1996 (Dark Metallic Green)

[Japanese Cars / Nissan Edition]

Part 10: Nissan First-Generation Silvia, 1965 (Champagne Gold)

Part 11: Nissan Fifth-Generation Silvia, 1988 (LT Metallic Green)

[Italian Cars Edition]

Part 12: Ferrari 250TR Pontoon Fender, 1958 (Red)

Episode 13: Ferrari 250 GTO, 1962 (Italian Red)

Episode 14: Lamborghini Concept S, 2005 (Pearl White)

[Japanese Cars: Mazda Edition]

Episode 15: Mazda Cosmo Sport, 1968 (Racing White)

Episode 16: Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Type-S (2-ton: Black & Gray)

[French Cars]

Episode 17: Bugatti Type 59, 1935 (French Blue)

Episode 18: Citroën SM, 1970 (Champagne Gold)

Episode 19: Bugatti La Voiture Noire, 2019 (Black)

[Japanese Cars: Toyota Edition]

Episode 20: Toyota/Yamaha 2000GT, 1967 (Ivory White)

Episode 21: Toyota 2nd-Generation Soarer, 1986 (Crystal White II)

Episode 22: Lexus LC500 [GWZ100], 2017 (Manual Transmission, Red)

[American Cars Part 2]

Episode 23: Dodge Challenger, 1970 & Plymouth Barracuda, 1971

Episode 24: Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR, 2008 (Black)

Episode 25: Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept, 2004 (Chrome)

[Japanese Cars: Mitsubishi Edition]

Episode 26: Mitsubishi Galant λ, 1976 (Brown Metallic)

Episode 27: Mitsubishi Eclipse [North American Spec], 2006 (Orange Metallic)

[German Cars Part 2]

Episode 28: BMW M635CSi, 1984 (Dark Metallic Blue)

Episode 29: Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody, 1989 (Black)

Episode 30: BMW M2 with Genuine Performance Parts, 2025 (Neon Lime)

Episode 31: First-Generation Audi TT, 1998 (Lake Silver Metallic)

[Japanese Cars: Subaru Edition]

Episode 32: Subaru Crosstrek XV, 2012 (Lime Green Metallic)

[British Cars Part 2]

Episode 33: Lotus First-Generation Elite, 1959 (British Green)

Episode 34: Lotus Elan S4 Sprint (2-Tone: Blue, White & Gold)

Episode 35: Jaguar E-Type Roadster (Light Blue Metallic)

[Japanese Cars: Honda (Lightweight Sports Cars)]

Episode 36: Honda S800, 1966 (Red)

Episode 37: Honda First-Generation CR-X 1.5i, 1983 (Blue & Silver Two-Tone)

Episode 38: Honda Beat, 1991 (Samba Yellow)

[Special Edition]: The Corvette Lineage

Episode 1: 1967 Stingray [C2] Convertible (Hardtop, Metallic Blue)

Episode 2: 1972 Corvette [C3] Convertible (Metallic Blue)

Episode 3: 1984 Corvette Coupe [C4] (Bright Red)

Episode 4: Corvette Indy [Mid-Ship Prototype] (Silver)

Episode 5: Stingray Concept [Prototype], 2009 (Blue Metallic)

#Mitsubishi x Chrysler: A Powerhouse Born from a Japan-U.S. Partnership!

It’s finally here—

our feature on the legendary cars born from the golden age of collaboration between Mitsubishi and Chrysler.

We’ll be bringing you this feature in two consecutive installments: this one and the next!

Episode 001: Mitsubishi Galant Lambda, 1984 (Brown Metallic)

Episode 002: Mitsubishi Eclipse [4th Generation], 2007 (Orange Metallic)

Born as a compact two-door coupe from the strengthened Mitsubishi-Chrysler partnership that began in the early 1980s, the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda became a massive hit through Chrysler’s North American sales network as:

* Dodge Challenger

* Plymouth Sapporo,

and greatly contributed to establishing the Mitsubishi brand in the U.S. market, paving the way for subsequent models like the Eclipse.

Personally,

seeing the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda in TV commercials and car magazines

got me really excited!

I teamed up with my dad and younger brother—both huge car enthusiasts—

*to go to car shows,

*and to study the catalogs until we knew them by heart,

and we were absolutely wild about it.

In the end, though, the image was a bit too flashy for my taste,

and I also wanted to save face for my uncle who worked at Mazda,

so we ended up buying a used Mazda Luce. T_T (The gas mileage was terrible, so we sold it off after just half a year!)

The Galant Lambda featured

* the trapezoidal cross-sections of previous Galant models, and

* a body structure and proportions at the cutting edge of global design trends,

which struck an exquisite balance between Japanese delicacy and American boldness,

creating an indescribably deep charm.

So, with that in mind,

let’s move forward.

* Real-Car Review: That Unique “Buttery” Scent Is the Key…

* Exterior Design Features:

* “Me” and the Galant Lambda

* Three-Theme Story: 1979 Third-Generation Mustang, Sapporo, Art Center [ACCD]

* Other Handsome Collaborative Models…

* Real Car Review: That Unique “Buttery” Scent Is the Deciding Factor!

The Mitsubishi Galant Λ (Lambda) is

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a two-door luxury specialty coupe characterized by a bold, innovative design that stood out from typical Japanese cars, manufactured and sold by Mitsubishi Motors from 1976 to 1984. It was the coupe version of the four-door sedan “Galant Σ (Sigma),” which was released during the same period, and debuted as the successor to the “Galant GTO” and “Galant Hardtop.”

With its straight-line styling—unseen in Japanese cars at the time—and luxurious interior, it gained immense popularity, particularly among young people, and was widely exported to overseas markets, primarily North America, through OEM supply agreements.

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* Adoption of Square Four-Light Headlights

At a time when round headlights and curved “Coke bottle” lines were the norm, this was the first Japanese car to feature “square four-light headlights” and a slanted nose, creating a cutting-edge appearance

* Distinctive Quarter Pillars and Rear Window

Its most distinctive feature is the canopy-style design, which combines an aluminum-look C-pillar garnish—reminiscent of a thick roll bar—with a “wrap-around rear window” (third-order curved glass) that appears as if the corners of the glass have been forcefully bent.

* An Ultra-Innovative, Futuristic Interior

The interior featured a “single-spoke steering wheel,” a first for a Japanese car. Furthermore, with elements like the “overhead console” (ceiling-mounted clock and switches) reminiscent of an aircraft, the cockpit was finished with a highly futuristic and distinctive feel.

History and Mechanics by Generation:

* First Generation (1976–1980)

It shared a platform with the four-door Galant Σ sedan and utilized a FR (rear-wheel-drive) layout. The engine lineup began with the inline-four “Astron” engine (2.0L), equipped with the groundbreaking “Silent Shaft” balancer shaft technology designed to cancel out unpleasant vibrations. Later, a 1.6L “Saturn” engine was added, as well as models equipped with the “MCA-JET” system—which met the strict emissions regulations of the time—and a more powerful 2.6L engine (2600 Super Touring).

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Global Expansion (Overseas Model Names):

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The Galant Λ was actively exported overseas through Chrysler Corporation in the U.S., with which Mitsubishi had a partnership, and enjoyed great popularity in those markets as well.

* North American market: “Dodge Challenger” (2nd generation) / “Plymouth Sapporo”

* European and South American markets: “Mitsubishi Sapporo” (named after the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics)

* Australian market: “Chrysler Sigma Scorpion”

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Additionally, as a sister model in the Japanese domestic market,

there was the “Eterna Λ (Lambda),” a model sold exclusively at the newly established Car Plaza dealerships in 1978.

Three-view photos:

#Key Specifications:

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Engine Model: 4G52 (Astron)

Total Displacement: 1,995 cc, water-cooled inline-4 SOHC

Maximum Power: 115 ps / 6,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 16.5 kg·m / 4,000 rpm

Drivetrain: FR (front-engine, rear-wheel drive)

Seating Capacity: 4 passengers

Body Style: 2-door (4-passenger) coupe

Wheelbase: 2,515 mm

Overall Length: 4,510 mm

Overall Width: 1,675 mm

Overall Height: 1,310 mm

Weight: Approx. 1,120 kg

Reference Materials:

List of “Japanese-U.S. Twin and Sister Cars” Born from the Era of Collaboration and Close Partnership

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This is a comparison table of representative models that shared platforms and engines between the two companies, symbolizing the era of close partnership.

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Mitsubishi Brand Name (Japan/North America) Brand Name Under Chrysler Features/Explanation

Colt Galant Dodge Colt The first model resulting from the collaboration. A fuel-efficient car that cemented Mitsubishi’s reputation for reliability in North America.

Galant Lambda Dodge Challenger / Plymouth Sapporo A stylish two-door hardtop. Popular among young people for its American-style design.

Stallion Chrysler Conquest A turbo sports car emblematic of the 1980s. Both shared a wide-body design with flared fenders.

Eclipse Eagle Talon / Plymouth Laser The symbol of DSM. It dominated the U.S. racing scene with the combination of the 4G63 engine and AWD.

GTO (North American name: 3000GT) Dodge Stealth Mitsubishi’s high-tech sports car. The Stealth features a significantly redesigned exterior in the American car style.

Galant / Eclipse Series Chrysler Sebring / Dodge Avenger Front-wheel-drive coupes from the late 1990s. Although built by Mitsubishi, they were marketed as elegant American-made coupes.

* Exterior Design Features: The charm of refined Japanese neo-classical styling!

Exported worldwide and

a huge success, Mitsubishi Motors’

masterpiece of international design,

the “Galant Sigma/Lambda” siblings,

and among them, the more avant-garde younger sister,

our very own: Lambda “λ”

So, based on my own subjective judgment and bias,

I’ve selected 5 key features of the “Lambda’s” exterior design

1: The novelty of its “diamond-cut” body language—characterized by strong, straight lines that emphasize slanted surfaces—which incorporated the world’s most cutting-edge design trends of the time ahead of other manufacturers, radiating power throughout the entire vehicle

――> It holds its own against even downsized American cars in terms of its fluidity and the vitality of its proportions!!

2: The innovative harmony created by the C-pillar—which cuts into the calm, low-slung roofline in a Targa-style—and the wraparound rear window that envelops it.

――ーー＞Even today, it’s so beautifully put together that it takes your breath away.

3: The crisp, square four-headlight setup—a first for Japan—and how well it integrates with the surrounding frame-style grille design.

4: The design around the taillights, full of elegance and composure――＞It plays a key role in creating a sense of luxury.

5: Something I feel every time I look at the design sketches and promotional materials that have survived to this day――＞The overflowing energy of Mitsubishi’s design at that time

Now, let’s go through them one by one

with photos.

1: The novelty of the “Diamond Cut” body language—a straight-line design emphasizing slanted surfaces—that radiates power throughout the entire vehicle, having adopted the world’s most cutting-edge design trends of the time ahead of other manufacturers

(Every line that makes up the body’s form is precise and free of excess; each aligns perfectly, creating a playful and cheerful balance between “motion and stillness” in the FR proportions. Specifically, the combination of a “broad chest” and “flowing water droplets” is subtly achieved through the exquisite sweep of the lower body.)

—> It holds its own against even downsized American cars in terms of its fluidity and the vitality of its proportions!!

2: The innovative harmony created by the C-pillar—which cuts through the calm, low-sweeping roofline in a Targa-style—and the wraparound rear window that envelops it

(It presents the cluttered C-pillar area—common in American cars of that era—in an extremely simple yet effective way. In the later luxury version (2600 cc model), this section was finished in leather, further enhancing the sense of luxury.)

――ーー＞Even today, it’s so beautifully put together that it takes your breath away.

3: The crisp, square four-headlight setup—a first for Japan—and how well it integrates with the surrounding frame-style grille design.

(The designs around the front grille vary by country—such as the Japanese Lambda, Plymouth, Dodge, and Australian versions—each showcasing its own unique character.)

4: The design around the taillights, which exudes elegance and sophistication.

―――> It plays a key role in creating a sense of luxury.

5: What I feel every time I look at the design sketches and promotional materials that have survived to this day

ーーーー＞The overflowing energy of Mitsubishi’s design at the time

*“Me” and the Galant Lambda: What’s the secret behind falling in love with it twice?

Back when I was in elementary school,

at a new car launch event I attended with my family,

I saw a Japanese car that left a lasting impression!!

[Galant Lambda]

In the end, due to my father changing his mind,

it never made it to our home…

Years later, I reunited with it in faraway Los Angeles, USA.

The Galant Lambda had a well-worn appearance,

and its name had changed to [Plymouth Sapporo].

However, the lustrous beauty evident in its sleek, well-defined body remained intact,

and since the Lambda my friend purchased was the base model,

all the excess “fat” had been stripped away,

which, in fact,

made its excellent pedigree all the more apparent.

And while writing this article, I came across an early masterpiece from NEO: the 1/43 resin ready-to-display model, the “Mitsubishi Sapporo.”

*NEO, 1/43 resin ready-to-display model, Mitsubishi Lambda “Sapporo” (Brown Metallic)

(Released in the early 2000s, shortly after NEO was founded—around the same time as the first-generation Honda Prelude—I’d been observing it with interest. The resin body molding is superb, capturing even the door trim and the “thickness behind the pillars.” After acquiring it this time, I repaired the window frames that had started to peel due to aging and made minor adjustments to the ride height, and

－－－→ It felt like reuniting with a lover I’d been searching for all these years; I was so happy I almost cried.)

Now then,

as has become our tradition,

let’s get started with the “Three-Theme Story”!

*Three-Theme Story: 1979 Mustang, Sapporo, Art Center [ACCD]

So, once again, here are three

challenging prompts

from the audience at the venue:

* 1979 Mustang

* Sapporo

* Art Center [ACCD]

Teaming up with “AI: Gemini-kun,”

we’ll somehow manage to

pull it off in spectacular fashion!

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“Once upon a time, in a certain place…”—we don’t need that kind of clichéd stage direction here. Instead, please join us for the “Showa Car Design Variety Show.”

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Today’s feature is the first-generation “Mitsubishi Galant Lambda,” which appeared like a comet in 1976. Let’s delve deeply into this legendary car from the perspective of its designers at the time. I’ve been given three topics in advance: the “1979 (3rd-generation) Mustang,” the “Plymouth Sapporo,” and the prestigious “Art Center College of Design.” While incorporating these elements, I’d like to share the story of the beautiful success of this Japan-U.S. collaboration.

First, please bear with me for a moment.

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“Hey, Kuma-san, come on in. Why are you staring so intently at my Lambda parked out front?”

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“Well, Hachisan, I’m always in awe of your car, no matter how many times I see it. Especially that rear window. The way it wraps all the way around, with those slender pillars—it’s just like the canopy of a spaceship, isn’t it?”

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“Whoa, to notice that, Mr. Kuma—you’re quite the connoisseur yourself! That ‘wrap-around rear window’ is the very heart and soul of this Lambda’s exterior design. It uses glass with a smooth curve that was almost unbelievable for its time, and by making the C-pillar (the rear pillar) look slender, it completely eliminates the heaviness typical of coupes. That’s not just glass—it’s a work of art born from Japanese glass-molding technology of the era and the designer’s sheer determination.”

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“Huh, sheer determination, huh? But you know, the overall silhouette feels somehow unlike a typical Japanese car—or maybe a bit too ‘American’… It reeks of America.”

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“Well, of course. This first-generation Lambda was designed with the American market firmly in mind from the very beginning. Among the Japanese designers at Mitsubishi back then were several elites who had studied cutting-edge car design at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in California. That place is the Mecca of automotive design worldwide. It’s based on straight lines, but it captivates with the tension in its surfaces and the sharpness of its edges. The very essence of ‘International Modernism’—honed at Art Center—runs through the very bones of this Lambda.”

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“I see. That’s why it looks so sophisticated. Those square quad headlights up front are sharp and handsome, too.”

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“Exactly! The combination of those square quad headlights and the slanted nose is irresistible, isn’t it? It’s a world apart from the ‘over-the-top Japanese-style American’ cars that were common back then, with their excessive chrome plating. It’s the aesthetics of subtraction. That single, sharp character line running along the side flows beautifully all the way to the taillights at the rear. It strips away all the unnecessary frills and relies solely on the beauty of its proportions.”

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“But Hachisan, the interior is amazing, too. I caught a quick glimpse earlier—the steering wheel is a single-spoke design, isn’t it? With that, I’d be at a loss as to where to grip it while driving.”

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“Hahaha, there’s no need to worry about that! That single-spoke steering wheel is the crowning glory of the Lambda—a perfect fusion of mechanics and design. It’s a rational design meant to maximize the visibility of the gauges to the absolute limit. Plus, the switches on the dashboard are arranged to surround the driver, just like in an airplane cockpit. If the exterior looks futuristic, the interior is futuristic luxury. This is the kind of sophistication you’d expect from a sophisticated personal coupe.”

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“Speaking of mechanics, I hear it’s not just about the looks—it’s also known for being quiet to drive, right?”

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“You really know your stuff! The inner workings are packed with Mitsubishi’s proudest inventions. The inline-four ‘Astron Engine’ incorporates two balance shafts called ‘Silent Shafts.’ When these rotate, they cancel out the unpleasant vibrations typical of a four-cylinder engine. As a result, it achieves a level of quietness and smoothness on par with a V8 engine. Japan’s meticulous engineering brilliantly supported the ‘smooth and quiet cruising’ that Americans love.”

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“Wow! The design and driving performance are American-inspired, but the craftsmanship is quintessentially Japanese. It truly takes the best of both Japan and the U.S.”

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“Exactly! That’s precisely why this car crossed the ocean and was highly acclaimed in the U.S. as well. Through Chrysler, it was sold over there under the incredibly stylish name ‘Plymouth Sapporo.’ At a time when memories of the Sapporo Olympics—a symbol of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth—were still fresh, it captivated American youth and the intellectual class as a cool Japanese coupe. Chrysler in the U.S. handled marketing and sales, while Mitsubishi in Japan perfected the design and manufacturing. That’s exactly what you’d call a ‘beautiful success story of Japan-U.S. collaboration.’”

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“The Plymouth Sapporo, huh? Just hearing the name makes me think of a car that’s—not cold and delicious, but—cool. But hey, Hachisan, didn’t that sleek, modern design from that era influence the American originals as well?”

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“Whoa, Kuma-san, you’re on a roll today! You’re absolutely right. The ‘clean, compact coupe concept based on straight lines’ that Lambda proposed made a huge impact on the Detroit giants, who were tired of big, heavy American cars. As proof, let’s fast-forward the clock about three years. Take a look at the ‘1979 third-generation Mustang’ (commonly known as the Mustang Fox Body), that iconic American symbol that debuted in 1979. It was a complete departure from the rugged, muscle-car look of the past, reborn with a clean, European-style, straight-line-based, sleek design—just like the Lambda and the Sapporo, right?”

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“Ah! You’re right—that third-generation Mustang, with its square headlights and sleek lines, does remind me a bit of the Lambda!”

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“See? Japan learned the fundamentals of design from America’s ‘Art Center,’ refined them with its own technology, and gave back to America in the form of the ‘Plymouth Sapporo.’ Then, in turn, the time-honored American ‘Mustang’ evolved by incorporating that clean aesthetic. This is the very essence of a joyful back-and-forth between Japan and the U.S. through design—a hugely successful story of collaboration. The Lambda isn’t just some old Japanese car. It was a bridge of passion built by designers across the Pacific!”

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“Wow, that’s deep… Hearing about the history of design has really made my heart swell. Hachisan, let me drive the Lambda—the culmination of that Japan-U.S. collaboration—at least once! ”

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“No problem at all, Kuma-san. Here’s the key. But you know, this car is magical—it makes everyone break into a smile the moment they get in, whether in the U.S. or Japan—so please be mindful when you drive it, okay?”

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“Wow, it makes everyone smile just by getting in? Why’s that?”

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“Well, duh—it’s a car built through a rock-solid partnership between Japan and the U.S. No matter how much you’re ‘crying’ (Chrysler) on American roads, if you ‘meet’ (Meets/Mitsubishi) this legendary Japanese car, the road will open up and every day will be ‘sharp’ (Mitsubishi) and happy!”

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“I see! Just by ‘meeting’ it, every day turns out sharp and perfect. That’s truly a huge success for Japan-U.S. collaboration!”

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That seems to wrap things up nicely.

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*Other handsome collaborative cars…

I’d like to highlight some joint-venture cars that were as huge a success as the Lambda this time around,

based purely on my own subjective opinions.

* Chevrolet Spark, 2009 = Daewoo Matiz

(The third generation of GM/Daewoo joint-venture vehicles; developed with an investment of 295 billion won after Daewoo joined the GM umbrella, it became a global hit. I hear the EV version, added later on, was just as fast as the Spark’s name suggests!

——> Personally, I almost bought the EV version myself. Haha)

*BMW Z4, 2019 = Toyota GR Supra, 2019

(Two cars that share the same chassis but have completely different exterior designs: the Supra, with its compact and bold styling, and the Z4, with its sleek and spacious silhouette.

――> It’s a shame that this collaboration ended so quickly.)

Collaborative cars are like interracial international marriages in human society.

Perhaps because I’m in an international marriage myself,

I’m always fascinated by them.

Next time, in Part 2 of the Mitsubishi Coupe series,

I’ll be covering the 4th-generation Eclipse.

Stay tuned—

Translated with DeepL.com

ABOUT ME

折り紙キャット

愛知県生まれ、米国在住の立体造形好き、2025年の山火事で自宅、趣味で改造したガンプラ、フィギュア、ミニカー等のコレクションすべてを焼失。自宅再建と失くした物の買い直しについての日記です。

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