These One-In-A-Million Proton Wira Models Will Make You Swoon For Its Rareness

Many knew that Proton was the first company to release a car in Malaysia. Proton Saga was its first creation, and the ex-prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohd, named it the national car. He even rode the Proton Saga (first generation) during its announcement on 1 September 1985. 

After its success, Proton released its second model, Proton Wira. It was make-known to Malaysians in 1993. Interestingly, Wira was the first car to offer a diesel engine. Therefore, many people still favour this model. 

Have you ever seen various Wira designs on the road and asked, what are the differences? Thus, what makes one Wira distinct from the rest? 

These are some unique Proton Wira models you have to know

1) Proton Sembilu

• Nickname: Spoiler tiang gol.
• Created in 1994 by Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON).
• Its specs are:
  • 2.0-litre engine.
  • 4 turbo cylinder 4G63T.
  • It’s an all-wheel drive (AWD) from Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
  • There were changes made to the model that was intended for racing purposes.
  • EON Racing Team (PERT) sent their team to compete in World Rally Championship (WRC) with Proton Sembilu, driven by the legendary rallier Karamjit Singh.
• Sadly, JPJ were against this model.
• Therefore, Proton used the original design of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and changed the logo to Proton. It was to fulfil the homologation criteria of the WRC.
• But, good news! Afterwards, Proton produced its greatest Wira model: 1.8 EXI LE (C99S).

2) Proton Wira 1.8 EXI LE (C99S)

• It was the holy grail of Proton Wira lovers.
• Better known as Wira C99 or Wira spoiler tiang goal.
• Specially designed to fulfil FIA’s (a motorsports organisation) homologation criteria.
• Its aspects are:
  • Aerodynamic.
  • Twin-tip exhaust.
  • 14-inch AAC rim.
  • Bigger front and back brake.
  • 20 double stitch welds solidified this Wira design.
  • Reinforcement bar to strengthen its structure and reduce body roll.
• The car used a 1.8-litre engine with 4 natural aspiration cylinders 4G93P.
• It produced 140 PS (6,500 rpm) and 167 Nm (5,500 rpm) with 5 manual speed transmissions.
• What’s unique about this design is the interior was taken from Recaro Enjoy.
• The car was sold at RM72,235.10, including insurance, in 1998.

3) Proton Wira 1.8 EXI LE RS (C99S)

• This RS variant (Racing Sport/Rally Sport) is fitted for drivers who want something different.
• There were only 50 units produced.
• All heavy specs were discarded. This includes the automated window being changed to manual.
• The model didn’t have a Recaro Enjoy design for its interior.
• The car is similar to Wira 1.3. The difference was this variant was only 1,030 kg.
• Its uniqueness is:
  • The ECU used in this RS had an MMC circuit board tuned by Proton Motorsport.
  • This RS has no rev or speed cut. Hence, it could reach 9,000 rpm!
  • The meter reading shown was 260 km/h. Only the ‘daredevils’ were brave enough to drive it!

4) Proton Wira 1.8 EXI PERT (C99S)

• This model was a tamer version of Wira 1.8 EXI LE.
• Its features are:
  • Has no spoiler tiang gol.
  • 14-inch AAC rim with 5 holes.
  • Sleeq Lake Green metallic colour.
• What makes it different from other Wira models are:
  • Front lights with a black finish.
  • Front lip.
  • The antenna is on the roof, located in the middle, and positioned at the back.
  • White signal lights.
  • 6 rim blades.
  • No Recaro Enjoy interior.
  • The car had leather seats.
  • The metre panel and radio were silver-coloured.
  • Finished with 4-speed automatic transmission.
• The price was RM71,947.86 in 2003.

5) Proton Wira Grand Limousine 1.6

• There were only 25 units made, which made it rare than Satria r3.
• The model had an additional 915 mm wheel distance from the standard sedan. Surprisingly, it was built in Australia!
• What made this limousine as cool as a cucumber:
  • Television and video player.
  • Boomerang TV antenna.
  • Connolly layer finish.
  • Console table with drawers and leg braces.
  • A mirror that separates the front and back space for privacy.
  • Intercom system.
  • Sheep fur covered the flooring.
  • Wooden trimmings on the dashboard.
  • Reading light at the back.
  • Ambience light.
  • Soft PVC covered the roof.
• The model used a 1.6-litre engine, 4-cylinder 4G93 with 113 PS and 137 Nm tork.
• The price was RM108,358.97 in 1996.

Other swoon-worthy models include:

• Proton Wira Executive 1.5/1.6
• Proton Wira 1.6 Edisi Piala Thomas

• Proton Wira 1.6 Millennium
• Proton Wira 1.5 Special Edition (SE)

• Proton Wira 2.0 Diesel

Wira has many charms that people don’t know about. From its design to the specs, no wonder it’s still loved today. 

So, do you have these models at home? 

Sources: WapCar, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional.