1997 Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear Super Exceed

Designed by Mitsubishi as an overlanding, off-roading camper van, the Delica is part of a rare fleet of vehicles that ceased production in the ’90s and mostly sat unused in Japanese garages for the last two decades until they were recently allowed to be imported to the United States.

While there are import companies who bring these vehicles to the states to sell, they typically sell the vans “as-is.” I purchased this van in May 2023 from Nomadic Van, who, after importing the vans from Japan, complete a full mechanical refurbish on their vans worth ~$10k, which includes removing the engine and performing full maintenance and putting back in; replacing every hose, gasket, and seal; installing new brake pads, refurbishing the starter and alternator, and more. See here for info on their full refurbish: https://nomadicvan.life/4m40-maintenance-routine

After purchasing, I completed a complete custom build-out (worth roughly $10k) to turn this into the perfect adventuring mobile. The bed platform can be laid flat, folded over itself, or folded up into a seat. A pull-out kitchen drawer fits cooking necessities and a stove while a cooler drawer can fit a 37L Dometic cooler. Under the bed are two storage compartments, one of which is designed to fit a Goal Zero Yeti charger, for which a vehicle integration kit was installed to allow the Yeti to charge off the alternator while driving. With its location behind the cooler drawer, you can charge your Dometic and any manner of appliances! Four longer storage compartments surround the bed platform, giving you space for all your overlanding needs. Another custom build was installing one of the backseat captain seats in the front passenger space, giving you a fully rotational front seat.

This vehicle is truly one-of-a-kind. With stellar mechanical capabilities, off-roading clearance, 4WD, and all the comforts of a van, this van can take you anywhere!

Van
RWD with a 4WD High and 4WD Low Range Transfer Case
Center Locking Differential for Off-road Performance
111,000 km (69,000 miles)
3-liter V6
Crystal-lite roof
17–20mpg
Cruise control
ABS breaking
Automatic Transmission
Right-hand drive
Dash-mounted voltmeter
Rear hatch mounted ladder
Roof rack
Custom front passenger captain’s seat
Floodlights

Custom build out
Bed
Two-shelf kitchen drawer
Cooler drawer (can fit a 46L Dometic; Dometic not included)
Installed Goal Zero vehicle integration kit (allows a Goal Zero Yeti to charge off the alternator; kit valued at $450, plus install; Goal Zero Yeti power bank itself not included)
Four storage compartments
Waterproof vinyl flooring with wood grain finish

Known issues

A/C is currently not working as car needs a new A/C line and it has to come from a Delica specifically