Adventuremobile: JDM 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica Camper

Spotted this cool JDM Mitsubishi Campervan up in Olympic Valley, CA at Palisades. It looks to be a Turbodiesel 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica from Japan. RHD (Right Hand Drive) with the steering on the opposite side. Fitting for Japan and Australia. But a bit rare in the US. Oregon is flush with Delica imports. These earlier, more angular Delica’s have a very 80’s vibe to them. We can’t confirm the year of this one, but it’s likely a 1995 model year.

There’s a 25 year rule that allows you to bring in cars 1998 or older into the US. So this was likely imported under that rule. I was expecting this to have come from Oregon or Washington, but noticed the plates are from Colorado.

The camper is a JB470. What’s interesting is that these campers were made by Vantech in Japan, in partnership with Reimo – from Germany. Think the Westfalia of Japan.

The powertrain is pretty tried and true on these things. They are simple and reliable, featuring the 4D56T, the turbo version of the 4d56 that Mitsubishi used to win the Dakar rally multiple times back in the 1980s. Paired with a short wheelbase means it can get into some tight places most RVs could only dream of. It just measures 16ft long! A Sprinter 144 for reference is 19.5ft long.

These RVs are actually built on what is the Delica Truck chassis. Similar to the Delica L300 van and shares many parts. If you don’t know how to drive (a manual) then this little adventuremobile is not for you. It’s a dead simple 5 speed transmission with a manual lever activated Hi – Lo 4×4 transfer case.

The inside actually hosts two beds, the upper bed slides out to make a full / queen size bed. It’s got a small sink and small two burner stove. The really amazing part is that this little van can legally carry more then those new fancy built out Sprinters. This rig can seat 6 with belts!!! All while getting around 21-24 mpg.