Mitsubishi Lancer A72 (Tube Light / Flat Light)

aakyl4ever · July 13, 2015

Dear Friends,

There was a very old topic which already discussed about modiying a 1978 Lancer A72. Since thats too old, I want to get some information according to the current situation. Lancer lovers, owners, enthusiasts, please be kind enough to write down all usefull information & advise on below areas.

The versions, model numbers and unique features to identify original lancer flat light / tube light models ?
How reliable are these today, specially to be used as a daily runner & for frequent long drives ?
Maintenance & availability of parts (Body parts / mechanical parts) ?
How much should I pay for a decent looking car ?

Suggestions, advise & useful information would be greatly helpful.

Thanks in advance!

Davy · July 13, 2015

We have quite a few A72 threads and some of your questions are actually answered in them. Will share the links as I answer your questions.

The versions, model numbers and unique features to identify original lancer flat light / tube light models ?

http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/12056-for-old-lancer-lovers/

How reliable are these today, specially to be used as a daily runner & for frequent long drives ?

If the engine, brakes and electrics are okay, they will continue to run forever. The first car I ever drove to work was a A72 and I drove all the way from Seeduwa to Dematagoda on a daily basis with no issues for about 2 years. Had the car a total of 14 years in the family and I have travelled all around the country in it and it never let me down. There is very little that can go wrong with these cars due to the very simple and straightforward design of the engine and electrics. If you take care of the car properly, it will run fine.

Maintenance & availability of parts (Body parts / mechanical parts) ?

Engine spares are available in Panchikawatte and many other shops outstation (even in areas like Kalutara where my uncle used to have the car and maintain it for about 2 years). You can even get hold of doors, fenders, windows and other body parts in the Watte area in Panchikawatte. There are other salvage yards that you can find in areas like Kurunegala where they have these parts removed from scrapped cars and stocked. However, finding won't be as easy as finding parts for a new car. There are some parts that you will not be able to find as well. For example, chrome bumpers are impossible to find.

You can read this thread and read about where I have found parts for my Lancer during the restoration:
http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/13719-1979-lancer-a72-restoration/

How much should I pay for a decent looking car ?

Prices range between 2 and 5 lakhs these days from what I can see. I saw an exceptionally good Lancer flat light with a price tag of 8 lakhs or so a few months back. A blue one in Kegalle. Then there was another one (flat light again) for 5.25 lakhs. Those two are the ones that stuck in my mind for the best flat light Lancers I've seen recently on the classifieds. If you are not looking for a perfect example, you can find one for about 2 lakhs and then spend some money to restore it.

EDIT:

Some other links that you might find interesting:

http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/13954-mitsubishi-a72-1400sl-5fwd/

http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/9710-lancer-a72-saturn-engine/

http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/15985-my-a72-build/

Edited July 14, 2015 by Davy