Proton has sold cars in various countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Nepal, and Egypt. It was even exported to South America but it was never sold in the United States (due to a con job).

This Satria GTi, however, was spotted on the island of Puerto Rico and it is under the loving care of a proud owner by the name of Rafael Ivan Rivera. He shared his beautiful GTi in a Facebook group dedicated to modified and kit cars in the American territory.

Rafael is a very avid Mitsubishi fan. Apart from the Malaysian hot hatch, he also owns a Mitsubishi Mirage which he converted to resemble a Thai-style bodykit. He helps out at the Puerto Rican Mitsubishi Owner's Club.

According to Rafael, the silver left-hand drive (LHD) GTi was brought over from Germany and it is quite possibly the only Proton on the island. As the GTi shared a lot of mechanical parts with a Mitsubishi, replacing some parts is not an issue. Being a part of the island’s Mitsubishi owner’s club helps with that too.

The Proton Satria GTi was sold very briefly in Germany where it was badged simply as the Proton GTi. As a result, this is a rare hot hatch and it looks very well-maintained with barely a scratch on the bodywork.

To date, Rafael’s GTi has put on a total of 124,000 km according to the odometer. He has kept it in good condition and doesn’t plan to modify the 1.8-litre 4G93P engine.

It’s great to see the amount of love Proton has even in markets where it is not sold. Here’s to fans like Rafael and the Dutch mechanic twins for sharing the spirit of the Malaysian tiger with their respective fellow car enthusiasts.

Also read: Malaysia Boleh – Proton Wira 'Teksi' takes on the Nurburgring

Photos credit: Rafael Ivan Rivera unless stated