Summary (1984 - Paris - Algiers - Dakar)

Once again, the 1984 Paris - Algiers - Dakar presented a fascinating challenge, this time with 11,000 km of the toughest terrain to be found anywhere in the world. The compact, agile and rugged Mitsubishi Pajero, prepared and entered by the French importer Sonauto, this time started in the class for minimal modifications to engine and suspension for "Marathon Man" Andrew Cowan. Although the Pajero, at 2 years old, was one of the youngest cars, no fewer than 11 team crews chose it, still impressed by its debut the year before. From the Place de la Concorde in Paris, the Pajero teams set out with high hopes and crossed the Mediterranean towards Algeria, from where the rally convoy set off with a loud howl into the depths of the Nigerien desert. The unloved and feared Tenere desert in the east of the Sahara, with its sandstorms and forces of nature, was to play a major role. Strangely enough, Cowan's Pajero never caused any problems. Mitsubishi's legendary reliability had carried over superbly to the Pajero, and despite its age of just 2 years, it had few problems coping with the toughest engine demands in the world. Even against highly tuned, purpose-built desert racers, the mildly modified Pajero held its own. Having emerged as winner of its own class, Cowan drove to third place in the overall standings, beating many of the desert racers, such as Jacky Ickx's Porsche. It was a great moment for Cowan and his Mitsubishi Pajero, which in its second year of Dakar participation earned the reputation of being the greatest all-terrain machine in cross-country competition.

Final Standings

Pos.	No.	Driver	Manufacturer	Overall Time
1	176	Metge	Porsche 911	16.58.55
2	184	Zsniroli	Range Rover	+ 02.18.21
3	191	Cowan	Mitsubishi Pajero	+ 03.28.09
4	153	Colsoul	Opel Manta 400	+ 04.50.46
5	185	Marreau	Proto Facom	+ 05.32.49
6	175	Ickx	Porsche 911	+ 05.57.10
7	192	Rigal	Mitsubishi Pajero	+ 08.03.06
8	151	Lacaze	Cirtoen Visa	+ 10.24.01
9	228	Planson	Mercedes 250 GE	+ 11.27.37
10	200	Fougerouse	Toyota FJ60	+ 13.18.07