First generation (1973–1979)

First generation Mitsubishi Lancer 2 door

The first Lancer (A70) was first launched in February 1973. It served to fill the gap between the Minica kei car and the larger Galant. The sporting 1600 GSR model began the Lancer's long and successful rally history, winning the Safari Rally twice and the Southern Cross Rally four times.
There were three body styles, two- and four-door sedans and a long-running five-door station wagon (built until replaced by the front-wheel drive Lancer/Mirage Van in March 1984). Engines were different 1.2 liter, 1.4 liter, and 1.6 liter fours.
This car was marketed under a variety of names:

• Dodge Colt (USA, 1977-1979)
• Dodge Lancer (some Latin American countries)
• Colt Lancer (Some European markets)
• Chrysler Lancer/Valiant Lancer LA/LB (Australia, 1974-1979)
• Plymouth Colt (Canada)

[edit] Celeste

Early Lancer Celeste

In February 1975 the Lancer was complemented by a liftback coupé called the "Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste", succeeding the Galant FTO. It was also called the "Mitsubishi Celeste" or "Colt Celeste" in some markets; and sold as the Chrysler Lancer Coupé (LB/LC) in Australia,^[2] the Dodge Lancer Celeste in El Salvador, the Plymouth Arrow in the United States, and the Dodge Arrow in Canada.
The Celeste was originally available with 1.4- and 1.6-liter options, while a bigger 2.0-liter model was added later. An even larger 2.6-liter four was available in the US-market Plymouth Fire Arrow.^[3] The Celeste was facelifted in 1978, receiving square headlights and bigger squarer bumpers.^[4] Production of the Lancer Celeste ended in July 1981 and it was replaced by the front-wheel drive Cordia in early 1982.