The Pajero made its debut at the 1973 Tokyo Motor Show with the first prototype. Five years later, the Pajero II arrived. Mitsubishi focused on creating a recreational vehicle, suited to off-road use as Mitsubishi Motors was Japan's biggest four wheel drive producer prior to World War II. The actual production line of the first generation Pajero was presented at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show, following its launch in May the same year. It was offered with a metal or canvas top, as a three door, short wheel base model and with three engine choices: a 2.0 liter gas, 2.3 liter naturally aspirated diesel and a 2.3 liter turbocharged diesel. It featured amenities never seen before in a Japanese four wheel drive, such as a turbocharged diesel engine, front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering and suspension seats. This allowed the Pajero to incorporate qualities of a passenger car while still remaining true to its off-road capabilities. A mere year after its launch, slightly tuned Pajeros started appearing in motor sport events. Nonetheless, the Pajero had difficulty appealing to everyone due to its short wheel base and lack of family appeal. Thus, in February of that same year, Mitsubishi released a longer, five door version, with a 2.0 liter turbocharged gas engine and a 2.3 liter turbocharged diesel. This also increased passenger capacity to seven, with available third row seats that folded to the side to create trunk space or could be combined with second row seats to form a bed. The Pajero was further improved in June 1984 - both turbo diesel engines had higher horsepower/torque ratings, while the long wheel base model was fitted with four wheel disc brakes and four way adjustable shock absorbers as standard. In January 1985, a production Pajero went to the Paris-Dakar Rally and ended up taking first place. This victory cemented its rugged reputation and resulted in increased sales. Furthermore, in April of that same year, the Pajero was the first model to have available a four speed automatic transmission and standard ELR seatbelts. In early 1987, a new flagship model was introduced, with a two-tone paintjob, fifteen inch light alloy wheels, front seat heaters, wool seat covers, genuine leather headrests, a three spoke steering wheel and a radio/cassette sound system. Lastly, in 1988, the model range could be fitted with a 3.0 liter SOHC V6 engine, alongside a 2.5 liter turbo diesel engine. The first 4x4 intercooler was also added, resulting in better acceleration in mid to high rev ranges. The long wheel base models received a leaf spring rear suspension, allowing for better ride comfort and off-road performance.
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