{"id":2297,"date":"2025-06-02T14:40:37","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T13:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autoshippers.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2297"},"modified":"2025-06-02T14:53:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T13:53:16","slug":"shipping-a-tommi-makinen-evo-vi-to-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autoshippers.co.uk\/blog\/shipping-a-tommi-makinen-evo-vi-to-the-usa","title":{"rendered":"From Rally Legend to Washington Roads \u2013 Shipping a Rare Tommi Makinen Evo VI to the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every so often, at Autoshippers, we have the pleasure of being a part of the journey of a piece of motorsport history, so were more than happy when Adam, a lifelong rally enthusiast and seasoned Evo owner contacted us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had been searching for 18 months for the right car, and eventually his search led him to a pristine example of a 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition \u2013 a true rally icon. But owning a dream car is only half the battle, especially when you are based in the USA and the car is in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s where we come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Journey Begins \u2013 Sourcing and Buying a Collector\u2019s Dream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Search 18 Months in the Making<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t Adam\u2019s first rodeo, and he already owned five other Evos, so finding your sixth when you have a very specific model in mind takes more than just browsing the classifieds. He was looking for a Tommi Makinen Edition (TME) Evo in white, factory stock and with a clean providence \u2013 not too much to ask!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These models are highly sought after and finding one that hadn\u2019t been heavily modified or raced proved to be a tall order, especially with year 2000 manufactured vehicles now becoming eligible for importing to the USA (more on this later). Adam\u2019s search took him to Japanese car auctions, enthusiast forums and import directories, but nothing ticked the boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eventually, with much persistence and an expert eye, a low-mileage, factory-original TME, finished in classic white with bold WRC-inspired livery, was discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Factory-Fresh Tommi Makinen Evo VI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Few vehicles carry the same level of prestige in the performance import world as the Tommi Makinen Edition Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI. Built to honour Mitsubishi\u2019s WRC dominance and the success of Finnish rally legend Tommi M\u00e4kinen, this model isn\u2019t just a collector\u2019s dream it\u2019s a road-ready rally car engineered for precision and power. Adam\u2019s example, meticulously preserved and completely original, stands out as one of the rare few that have remained untouched over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TME isn\u2019t simply a cosmetic upgrade. Underneath, it features a titanium turbocharger for quicker boost, a sharper steering rack, lowered suspension, and a more rigid chassis\u2014all geared toward razor-sharp handling and response. The signature rally-inspired body kit and livery complete the package, echoing Mitsubishi\u2019s golden era in motorsport. The performance is as purposeful as the look and this Evo was built for action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Adam, a seasoned Evo owner, this particular TME represents a milestone. It\u2019s not just the sixth Evo in his personal fleet, it\u2019s his first factory-stock example. In an age where many of these cars are heavily modified, finding one that remains exactly as it left the factory floor is increasingly rare. This Evo, now nestled in his Ferndale garage in the USA, is the jewel in a collection built on performance, heritage, and personal triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the Tommi Mackinen Edition Is So Iconic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Tommi Makinen Edition is more than just a special trim\u2014it\u2019s a tribute to Mitsubishi\u2019s motorsport legacy. Produced to commemorate four consecutive WRC titles with M\u00e4kinen behind the wheel, the TME takes the Evo VI formula and refines it for enthusiasts who value both performance and heritage. From the titanium turbo to the red-stitched Recaros, every detail was designed with purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of the 2,500 TMEs produced, only 1,543 were finished in white, making this colourway especially collectible. Adam\u2019s car doesn\u2019t just meet the criteria\u2014it exceeds them. It remains entirely unmodified, a true time capsule from the golden age of rally-inspired road cars. For purists and collectors alike, these original-condition TMEs are incredibly hard to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its combination of exclusivity, pedigree, and engineering makes the TME one of the most respected JDM icons of its era. Whether at a car show, on a twisty backroad, or parked beside other Evos in Adam\u2019s garage, this example commands attention and admiration and rightfully earns its place among the legends of Japanese performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shipping a Car from the UK to the USA by RoRo<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Shipping<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When it comes to shipping rare but roadworthy vehicles across the Atlantic Ocean, choosing the correct shipping method is just as important as choosing the car itself. In Adam\u2019s case, Roll-on\/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping was the ideal solution as it not only offers efficiency but also can be the most cost-effective shipping option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Ro-Ro Car Shipping?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RoRo, short for Roll-on\/Roll-off, is a method where vehicles are driven onto a specialist vessel at the port of departure and driven off at the destination\u2014no containers, no cranes, no unnecessary handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These ships operate much like floating car parks, with multiple enclosed decks designed specifically for wheeled cargo. Vehicles are secured with soft-tie straps and chocks to keep them stationary throughout the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RoRo offers several distinct benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n