The very last Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution produced in North America was auctioned for $76,000, the Japanese automaker revealed today. The car in question is a Final Edition version, which was launched for the 2015 model year with unique badging, a limited color palette, and a numbered plaque for each of the 1,600 examples. The proceeds from the auction will benefit Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, both of which are part of Feeding America, a non-profit, hunger-relief and food-rescue organization.

This was the second Lancer Evolution Final Edition auction for charity, with the previous one being the first example of the 1,600-unit production. The No. 1 car was used to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and was sold off for $46,200. Together, the two performance sedans have raised a total of $122,600 for charity.

Introduced in 1992, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been discontinued in 2016 after 10 generations. The latest model featured a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 303 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. The cars came equipped with all-wheel-drive, Bilstein and Eibach suspension components, and Brembo brakes.

Although there have been rumors of a successor in recent years, Mitsubishi said that the nameplate will not return anytime soon. However, the Japanese brand did say that it is exploring the possibilities of high-performance models that incorporate electric motors. Most likely, Mitsubishi's next performance sedan will be a hybrid.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

While it's definitely sad to see the Lancer Evolution retire for good, at least two of the Final Edition cars were sold for a good cause. Granted, $76,000 don't sound like much compared to what other vehicles fetch at auctions, but Second Harvest Food Bank estimates that the last Lancer Evolution will provide nearly 230,000 meals for those in need. It’s a fitting and deserving end for the Lancer Evolution nameplate, which goes into the history books with numerous achievements to its name.