This Heavily Modified 1992 Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 Is a Tiny but Mighty Overlanding Beast

Production of the Mitsubishi Delica started in 1968. The name itself is a combination of "delivery" and "car" in Japanese, so, as you can expect, the first generation was designed as a utility van.

However, the redesigned second-generation model, which entered production in 1979, introduced the passenger version known as the Star Wagon. In 1982, four-wheel drive became an option, forever changing the Delica's character.

Then, in 1986, the Star Wagon L300 was introduced, soon becoming the most sought-after version among adventurers. Many people in the overlanding and off-road adventure van community swear by the Star Wagon L300, and for good reasons, one of them being its quirky, turbo diesel engine.

The rig I'm discussing today is based on a 1992 Delica Starwagon L300, heavily modified by Nomadic Van Life. These guys know their stuff, as the company specializes in Mitsubishi Delica imports, maintenance, and parts.

In fact, "heavily modified" might even be an understatement – all you need is a look at this vehicle, and you'll realize it's, as its creator describes, "one of the most customized Delicas on the continent." The changes go beyond what we can initially see, as it comes with huge mechanical upgrades and overhauls.

This Delica sports a 2.5-liter Mitsubishi 4D56 engine paired with a fully rebuilt four-speed automatic transmission. What's more, it's equipped with a 4WD high and low-range transfer case and a Nomadic custom intercooler kit.

I won't even talk about all of its upgrades since all the details would probably take up half of this article. Instead, I'll mention the main ones – besides the ones above, this rig has a Stage 3 performance tune, which consists of an upgraded turbo with boost set to 14psi, a fuel pump tuned to altitude, and a dual-side exit exhaust. As you can expect, the engine was fully restored, with many parts replaced or upgraded.

These modifications allow the vehicle to reach 60 mph (96 kph) in what Nomadic Van Life describes as a "reasonable amount of time," while the top speed is about 75 mph (121 kph).

When it comes to off-road vehicles, you could have all the power in the world, but it wouldn't matter if you don't have the right suspension. In this regard, Nomadic Van Life fitted this 1992 Delica with new tie roads, upgraded Monroe rear air shocks, and upgraded Tough Dog front shocks, also giving the vehicle a 2-inch lift. What's more, it rides on 15-inch steel rims wrapped in 29-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires.

Let's take a look at all the exterior features that are plentiful on this van. On the passenger side, you'll notice a huge Overland Vehicle Systems awning and a changing room from the same brand that can double as a shower curtain. Both features are attached to a Frontrunner roof rack, which holds a storage box and a shovel. By the way, you can climb on the vehicle's roof using a ladder mounted on the passenger side.

At the front, this rig's converters mounted a bull bar complete with fog lights and a new windshield. Finally, at the rear, you'll discover a two-part swing-out carrier holding a spare wheel, two jerry cans, as well as a backup camera, and backup lights.

With a camper van so beautifully modified on the outside, it's only normal to expect an excellently designed interior, and Nomadic Van Life delivered this expectation. The interior was professionally upholstered with grey fabric above the driver's cabin and on the sides, while the truck-lined flooring was covered with wood. Furthermore, the walls are fully insulated.

The interior build-out was done as a collaboration between Nomadic Van Life and Decked, a manufacturer of drawer systems based in the same city as Nomad Van Life, namely Ketchum, Idaho.

This rig is equipped with two sizeable Decked drawer systems, one installed length-wise and the other width-wise. Moreover, the former, larger one comes with a flip-up top panel, which can be used to create the bed, essentially letting you choose between setups: cargo or sleeping.

These aren't your run-of-the-mill drawer systems. For instance, the rear slider comes with a storage latch box and a kitchen setup comprising pots, pans, a silverware holder, plates, an Aeropress coffee maker, and more. Above it, there's a backrest with additional storage capacity.

Behind the passenger's seat, Nomadic Van Life installed a 3-foot-tall side cubby holding an inflatable mattress with a pump, a sleeping bag, and a hanging rack.

Regarding the utility systems, the van is fitted with a 1,000 W inverter and a 27,000-BTU diesel parking heater with a rear cabin heating system controlled by a wall-mounted display.

Nomadic Vanlife didn't make any significant modifications to the driver's cabin. The company installed a custom center console with two cupholders, a wooden storage tray, and an aftermarket steering wheel.

All in all, this is a stunning overlanding machine unlike any other. This rig is currently for sale for $39,500 (€36,658) - you can find out its full specs on its listing.