What are some of the longest-running single generation cars in the world? Some prime examples include the Nissan Patrol Y61 and Toyota Land Cruiser 70. But none of them come close to the Mitsubishi L300.
The L300, known as the second-generation Delica in Japan, first rolled out in 1979. Since then, it has been in continuous production in one way or another. And here’s a fun fact for you, it premiered at the same year as the box-type Lancer.
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Locally, the L300 as we (still) know it today first appeared in 1987, nearly a decade after its launch in Japan. It was first made in Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ assembly line in Cainta, Rizal, and production was moved to Santa Rosa, Laguna after MMPC acquired what used to be the Ford Motor Philippines factory.
You’re probably wondering why we’re bringing up the L300. One, this year is its 45th year in service. Secondly, Mitsubishi’s latest social media post had us thinking about its future.
In case you missed it, the caption reads “Here today, tomorrow, and beyond!” Along with it is a futuristic background with, you guessed it, the L300 still doing its duties as a hauler. At this rate, we might as well call the L300 immortal. It has outlasted most of its competitors and even some of the later generation models from its family tree. Given its popularity, we reckon Mitsubishi will keep churning these out until it’s absolutely forced to stop doing so.
It’s not like demand for it is slowing down, either. For as long as there are businesses and fleets that need it, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines will keep building them. Heck, this writer reckons even his infant daughter will have one of these as a school bus once she starts, er, going to school.
The lineup was even expanded recently. New to the L300 lineup is the PUV Class 1 body that adds a curbside door in the passenger box. Also added is a dropside pickup version, joining the FB body, aluminum van, and refrigerated truck models.
The Mitsubishi L300’s 50th birthday isn’t that far off, either. By 2029, this utilitarian will celebrate its golden anniversary. We think it’ll reach that, and possibly beyond. Who knows, we might even see an electric version of this if we’re forced to all plug in our vehicles a few decades from now.
