Mopar lovers in the 1980s didn’t have a lot of options if they wanted to go fast. The bygone era of rear-wheel drive V8 muscle cars was long gone for Dodge, and Chrysler didn’t release a proper sports car until the Viper in 1991. Dodge didn’t produce a car in the same vein as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, or Pontiac Firebird during the Reagan administration, as such Mopar consumers needed to go a different route for a performance vehicle.
The Pick of the Day is a custom 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Turbo Z available for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in St. Louis, Missouri. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Dodge marketed the Daytona as a front-wheel drive alternative to such rear-wheel drive stalwarts as the Camaro, Mustang and Firebird, touting its turbocharged four-cylinder as a better alternative to their larger V-8 motors while delivering more miles per gallon yet providing almost as much power in a lighter package,” the listing states.
Under the hood is a turbo charged and intercooled 2.2-liter 4-cyliner engine with multiport fuel injection that produced a factory-rated 174 bhp and 200 foot-pounds of torque when new. Not blistering fast by today’s standards with 0-60 mph jaunt in the 7.5-second range. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission (code A555) with Getrag gears.
“This example is one of 7,152 Daytona Turbo Z models made in 1987 and was built on May 7, 1987 at Chrysler’s Fenton, Missouri assembly plant, which was located a couple of miles from the showroom,” the listing states on ClassicCars.com. “This is a one family owned car with 96,584 original miles and is sold on actual mileage Missouri title.”
The exterior is finished with custom purple metallic paint highlighted by chrome illusion front-end flames. It rides on American Racing three-spoke black and silver wheels with 225/50R15 tires.
This Daytona has a gray interior with low-back front and rear bucket seats. It features an aftermarket steering wheel and rearview mirror. Amenities include the factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, air conditioning, power steering, power steering, and power brakes.
It’s not an American muscle car, but more of a hot hatchback with low original miles, and if one is inclined the asking price is $8,900.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
OMG that’s beautifully hideous. Truly awful. Thank you for this cringeworthy fun.
You’re welcome, Chris. It’s definitely a unique vehicle.
I bet it’s a fun car!
$ 8,900 too much!
Admittedly, I don’t care for the custom paint but other than that, this car was as good as anything that was on the
market in 1987, better than most for the price.
I worked for Dodge from 1986 till 2006. The 2.2 turbo was great when it ran but I paid for 1/4 of my house changing head gaskets and turbos.
Is this car still for sale?
Hi George,
The Dodge is no longer available.